Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is a disorder of the body's metabolism - the way the body uses or converts food for energy and growth. Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, is used by the body to turn the food we eat into fuel that can be used by the cells.

When a person eats, food is broken down into glucose (blood sugar), which is the main source of fuel for the body. The process of moving the glucose from the blood into the cells where it is needed requires insulin.

With diabetes, the body is not able to the convert the glucose into useable energy because the pancreas produces little or no insulin or the body does not properly use the insulin that is produced . This causes glucose to build up in the blood, which overflows into the urine and is eliminated from the body. Without fuel for energy, the body is unable to survive.

Types of Diabetes

Diabetes is a group of diseases that are characterized by high levels of blood glucose that result from a defect in insulin production and/or insulin action. There are many types of diabetes that have been recognized over the years, but the three most common types are:

• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Gestational diabetes

Although the various types of diabetes have some metabolic similarities, they are distinctly separate types of diabetes that differ in causes and treatments. In all cases of diabetes, however, the goal of treatment is to manage the disease and keep blood glucose levels in the normal range in order to avoid the risk of health complications. With proper management, diabetics can live a full life.