When blood sugar stays too high for too long, it damages the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. This damage makes your body produce even less insulin, which causes your blood sugar to stay high and creates a harmful cycle that speeds up the progression of diabetes.

What the evidence shows so far is that high blood sugar levels over time may damage the cells in your pancreas that make insulin. Our analysis leans toward the idea that this damage can reduce insulin production and contribute to a worsening cycle in diabetes. We analyzed the available research and found 1 studies support, 0 studies refute this connection. Our current analysis indicates that when blood sugar remains elevated for extended periods, it may harm the beta cells in your pancreas. Beta cells are the specific cells responsible for producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone that acts like a key to let sugar into your cells for energy. When these cells are affected, your body might produce less insulin. This reduction could cause blood sugar to stay high. The evidence we've reviewed suggests this pattern creates a cycle. High sugar may lead to more cell damage, which further lowers insulin and may accelerate how diabetes progresses over time [1]. We have reviewed a limited amount of evidence at this stage. Our findings represent what we have found so far and may improve as more research becomes available. The evidence leans toward this relationship, but we do not have enough data to say this is certain. We continue to analyze new studies to update our understanding. It is important to remember that our analysis is a partial view that grows as we review more information. Practical takeaway: To help protect your pancreas, try to keep your blood sugar levels steady. Eating balanced meals and moving your body regularly can help prevent sugar from staying too high for too long.