Causes and Effects of Diabetes

During the digestive process, all foods that were eaten (carbohydrates, proteins and fats) are converted into glucose commonly known as blood sugar. Glucose circulates in the blood stream and is used as food for the body cells. But the cells cannot absorb glucose alone; a hormone called insulin which is produced in the pancreas must first bind with the cell surface.
When this occurs, cells at the body are activated and are able to absorb the glucose. This process returns the body blood sugar to a normal level. Diabetes mellitus is a disorder that affects the body’s ability to officially utilized blood glucose. In Type 1 Diabetes, the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, so glucose cannot be absorb to refill the cells. In Type 2 Diabetes, insulin is produce but it does not work properly and the glucose is not absorbed consistently by the cells. Both type of diabetes have the same result, glucose is not absorbed by the cells. That is why people with diabetes have high blood sugar levels. Without proper absorption of glucose from the blood stream, the cells are starving for food. Regardless of which type of diabetes a person may have, people with diabetes must monitor their blood sugar levels. Depending on the type and severity of the disease, diabetes can be managed with diet or with medication.