| When food
is eaten, it is digested in the stomach where much of it is broken
down into a sugar called glucose. This glucose is one of the
main sources of fuel for our body. The glucose then travels in
the blood to get to cells throughout the body. It is in the cells
that glucose becomes the body's energy. Insulin is needed for
this process.
Insulin is produced in our body by an organ called the pancreas.
Insulin is a naturally occurring hormone that is needed to
convert sugar, starch and other food into energy needed for
daily life. The pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream
when the blood glucose rises after eating. Insulin is the "key" that “unlocks” the
cells of the body allowing glucose to enter.
A healthy body needs a constant supply of glucose for energy.
It also needs a willing and able pancreas to supply the needed
insulin. When the body produces enough insulin and the insulin
is able to work properly, the body’s glucose levels are
controlled automatically. They stay within a safe range, never
getting too high or too low.
Hyperglycemia means “too much glucose in the blood”.
High blood glucose levels cause the signs and symptoms of diabetes.
These may include:
- Frequent urination – the body tries to get rid of
the excess glucose in the blood by filtering it out through
the kidney. This means more urine production and going to
the bathroom often.
- Unusual thirst – Caused by the need to replace the
fluid lost through frequent urination.
- Extreme tiredness or lack of energy - you will feel tired
because your body is not able to use glucose (the fuel) properly
- Hunger – Increased hunger happens when the body is
not getting the fuel it needs. Because of a problem with
the insulin the food eaten cannot be converted into the energy
the body needs.
- Weight loss –may occur without any effort.
- Blurred vision – Extra glucose in the lens of the
eye will cause the lens to swell and make it difficult to
focus. This causes eyesight to blur.
- Cuts (injuries) that are slow to heal, and frequent infections – the
high levels of glucose in the body make it a perfect environment
for bacteria and yeast to grow. People may have more vaginal
and urinary tract infections.
Other symptoms of high blood glucose can be moodiness, itchy
skin, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, and changes in
sexual functioning.
For some people hyperglycemia is obvious, however others may
not have any symptoms. This usually depends on the amount of
insulin being produced by the body and how long the blood glucose
has been elevated.
There are two major types of diabetes that are different from
each other: Type 1 and Type 2. It is important to understand
that they are caused by different problems and that their treatment
and management will vary. Another type of diabetes, gestational
diabetes will also be discussed.
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