Q.What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot correctly metabolize food to produce energy.
Q.What happens when the body metabolizes food correctly? Your food converts into glucose (sugar) in the blood and the blood sugar level increases. This signals the pancreas to make insulin, which then helps the sugar leave the bloodstream and enter the cells that need it for energy.
Q.What happens when you have diabetes? Your pancreas doesn't make enough insulin or the insulin isn't working correctly. The sugar cannot get into the cells, so the blood sugar level keeps increasing.
Q.What is Type 1 diabetes? No insulin is being produced and insulin shots are required daily. It is most common in children or young adults.
Q.What is Type 2 diabetes? Some insulin is produced but may not be enough or is not working right. Diet and exercise are very important to help control the blood sugars but often oral medication is needed as well. It is most common in adults who are overweight, inactive, or have a family history of diabetes. Ninety-five percent of people with diabetes have this type.
Q.What are the common signs of diabetes? -Increased thirst, hunger and urination -Weight changes -Vision changes -Dry, itchy skin -Tiredness and/or fatigue -Slow healing of cuts and sores -Frequent infections, especially bladder and yeast infections -Numbness or tingling in hands or feet
