Breaking Down Diabetes
Diabetes is a common systemic disease that affects how your body stores and processes glucose (sugar). Diabetes develops when your pancreas reduces the amount of insulin it produces, which is needed to help transfer glucose from your bloodstream to your cells.
When glucose isn’t processed, it builds up in your bloodstream, eventually leading to health problems related to your heart, liver, and eyes.
There are 2 common types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes occurs when your pancreas stops producing insulin. Those with type 1 diabetes will need to take daily insulin injections to stay alive.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when your body doesn’t use or make insulin efficiently. Patients with type 2 diabetes may not need insulin injections, but they’ll need to routinely monitor their blood-sugar levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
