About Diabetes
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Diabetes is a disorder of metabolism—the way our bodies use digested food
for growth and energy. Most of the food we eat is broken down into glucose, the
form of sugar in the blood. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the
body. |
After digestion, glucose passes into the bloodstream, where it is used by
cells for growth and energy. For glucose to get into cells, insulin must be
present. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, a large gland behind
the stomach.
When we eat, the pancreas automatically produces the right amount of insulin
to move glucose from blood into our cells. In people with diabetes, however,
the pancreas either produces little or no insulin, or the cells do not respond
appropriately to the insulin that is produced. 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 even though the blood contains large amounts
of glucose.
Source: 2003 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and
Management of Diabetes in Canada
Important Notice: Information provided is for general
background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis
or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your
physician about any health care questions you may have, especially before
trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to health care
issues.