Diabetes is a disease of the blood. People with diabetes (diabetics) have high levels of sugar (glucose)
in their blood. Glucose in the blood comes from the foods we eat.
Diabetics must monitor their blood sugar levels, carefully watch their diet, and take insulin or oral medication.
Foot problems are associated with the disease. Diabetes can also damage blood vessels and nerves, making diabetics
more susceptible to infections. Other organs that are often affected include the kidneys and the eyes.
The human body produces insulin, a hormone, in the pancreas. Insulin controls blood sugar, moving it to your muscles
and other bodily cells, where it is used as energy.
Diabetics produce little or no insulin (Type 1 diabetes), or cannot process the insulin in their bodies (Type 2 Diabetes).
More than 20 million people in the United States are diabetic. In 2006, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death in
the United States.
High levels of blood glucose can cause many health problems, including:
- Blurry vision
- Increased hunger
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- Weight loss