What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal.

People with diabetes have problems converting food to energy. After a meal, food is broken down into a sugar called glucose, which is carried by the blood to cells throughout the body. Cells use insulin, a hormone made in the pancreas, to help them convert blood glucose into energy.

People develop diabetes because the pancreas does not make enough insulin or because the cells in the muscles, liver, and fat do not use insulin properly, or both. As a result, the amount of glucose in the blood increases while the cells are starved of energy.

Over the years, high blood glucose, also called hyperglycemia, damages nerves and blood vessels, which can lead to complications such as heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, blindness, nerve problems, gum infections, and amputation. 

Glucose Test

A person with diabetes constantly manages their blood's sugar (glucose) levels.

After a blood sample is taken and tested, it is determined whether the glucose levels are low or high.

If glucose levels are too low carbohydrates are ingested. If glucose in the blood is too high, the appropriate amount of insulin is administered into the body such as through an insulin pump.

  

Diabetes Index
Diabetes
◦ What are the scope and impact of diabetes
◦ Types of Diabetes
◦ Diabetes - A Leading Cause of Death in America
◦ The Reality
◦ Who gets diabetes
◦ Keep Your Diabetes Under Control
◦ Low Blood Glucose
◦ Eating and Diabetes
◦ Gestational Diabetes
◦ Type 1 Diabetes
◦ Points to Remember
◦ How are diabetes and pre-diabetes diagnosed
◦ What is pre-diabetes
◦ What does having pre-diabetes mean
◦ Should I be tested for diabetes
◦ Preventing Diabetes Complications
◦ Diabetes Is Preventable and Controllable
Diabetes Type 2
◦ What is type 2 diabetes
◦ Type 2 Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes
◦ Type 2 Diabetes
◦ What factors increase my risk for type 2 diabetes
◦ What other factors increase my risk for type 2 diabetes
◦ What are the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes
◦ Can type 2 diabetes be prevented
Tips
◦ When You’re Sick
◦ Alcoholic Drinks
◦ Fat and Sweets
◦ What are healthy ways to eat meat or meat substitutes
◦ Milk
◦ Fruits
◦ Vegetables
◦ Starches
◦ Your Physical Activity Plan
◦ Be Physically Active Every Day
◦ Make Wise Food Choices Most of the Time
◦ Making Changes to Lower My Risk
◦ How can I reduce my risk
Medicine
◦ Do I need to take diabetes medicine?
◦ How is diabetes managed
◦ Random Plasma Glucose Test
◦ Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
◦ Fasting Plasma Glucose Test
◦ Take Your Prescribed Medications
Foot Problems and Diabetes
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