Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when the amount of glucose in the blood is too high, and the body is not able to use it properly. Glucose is derived mainly from food. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is needed to convert glucose into the energy the body requires. If the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or if the body cannot use the insulin it has, then diabetes occurs. There are 2 different kinds of diabetes: Insulin Dependent Diabetes (type 1) which is usually diagnosed before the age of 40 and is treated by insulin injections and diet. The second kind is Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes (type 2) which is usually diagnosed after the age of 40 and is treated by either diet alone, or diet and tablets or, sometimes, diet and insulin injections. Diabetes, however, can affect anyone at anytime.

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