Diabetes

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What is diabetes?

Diabetes Mellitis is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, which affects how the body is able to use glucose for energy.

In order for cells to use glucose for energy, insulin must be present. In people with diabetes, the pancreas either produces little or no insulin (type 1), or the cells do not respond appropriately to the insulin that is produced (type 2 and gestational diabetes).

Glucose builds up in the blood, overflows into the urine, and passes out of the body in the urine. Thus, the body loses its main source of fuel.

The three main types of diabetes are:

  • Type 1, also known as juvenile diabetes
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Gestational diabetes (occurs in pregnant women during the pregnancy, but resolves after delivery)