Diabetes: What You Need to Know About This Common Disease
Diabetes is one of the most common health conditions in the United States. It affects how your body uses glucose (blood sugar), which is one of the main sources of energy for your cells. But what exactly happens when you have diabetes? What Is Diabetes? Normally, your body produces a hormone called insulin . Insulin helps glucose move from your blood into your cells, where it can be used for energy. With diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not respond to it properly. As a result, glucose can build up in the bloodstream, causing high blood sugar . Over time, uncontrolled high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, nerves, the kidneys, eyes, and heart. The Main Types of Diabetes There are several types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes: The immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin. People with type 1 diabetes need insulin to survive. Type 2 diabetes: The body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough of it. It is the m...