What is diabetes and how it is managed

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Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Most of the food you eat is broken down into sugar (glucose) and released into your bloodstream. If you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it makes as well as it should. When there isn’t enough insulin or cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar stays in your bloodstream. Over time, that can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.

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Diabetes can be managed and controlled.

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This video gives a great visual explanation about the various types of diabetes.

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The American Diabetes Association is full of resources on understanding and managing diabetes

Click the image below to access the ADA website

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Source: The American Diabetes Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Cleveland Clinic

Nothing in this article should be considered medical advice. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. In a case of medical emergency call 911.