What is Diabetes?

 

Diabetes is a disease that affects how your body uses blood glucose, also known as blood sugar. Glucose comes from the food you eat and is your body’s main source of energy.

A hormone called insulin, which is made by the pancreas, helps glucose enter your cells so it can be used for energy.

In people with diabetes, the body either does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin properly. As a result, glucose stays in the blood instead of going into the cells. This causes high blood sugar levels.

Over time, high blood sugar can lead to serious health problems. It can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a health condition where the body has trouble using glucose (sugar) properly. Glucose gives us energy, and it comes from the food we eat.

To help glucose get into the body’s cells (like little doors opening), we need a hormone called insulin. Insulin is made by an organ called the pancreas.

When someone has diabetes, their body either doesn't make insulin or doesn't use it the right way. This means too much sugar stays in the blood, which can be harmful.

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🔍 Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes

• The body does not make any insulin at all.
• It happens when the body’s immune system attacks the cells in the pancreas that make insulin.
• Usually starts in children or teenagers, but adults can get it too.
• Not caused by diet or lifestyle.

Treatment:

• People with Type 1 need to take insulin every day (with injections or an insulin pump).
• They must check their blood sugar levels regularly.
• Healthy eating and regular exercise help too.

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Type 2 Diabetes

• The body makes insulin, but doesn’t use it properly.
• More common in adults, but also seen in children and teens.
• Often linked to being overweight, not being active, or having a family history of diabetes.

Treatment:

• Eating healthy foods, exercising, and losing weight (if needed) can help.
• Some people may also need to take tablets or insulin.
• Blood sugar checks are still important.

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⚠️ Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

Some signs are the same for both Type 1 and Type 2:

• Feeling very thirsty
• Going to the toilet a lot, especially at night
• Feeling very tired
• Losing weight without trying (especially in Type 1)
• Slow-healing cuts or infections
• Blurred vision
• Feeling more hungry than usual

If someone has these signs, they should see a doctor for a simple blood test.

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❤️ Why Treatment Matters

If diabetes is not managed, high blood sugar over time can damage important parts of the body:

• Eyes (can lead to vision problems)
• Kidneys
• Nerves (can cause numbness or pain)
• Heart and blood vessels (higher risk of heart disease and stroke)

But with good care, people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives!

 

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