Diabetes

What is diabetes? Why do I have it? What are the types? This is your diabetes encyclopedia.

All types of diabetes are defined by impaired insulin production or cell resistance to insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas, and its role in the body is to lower and normalize blood sugar levels. Insulin helps metabolize glucose by introducing it into cells, where it is used to produce energy. Insulin also sends glucose to the muscles and liver where it is stored as deposits. In people suffering from this condition, these mechanisms are partially or completely altered.

Blood glucose maintained at a high level along with the autoimmune mechanisms of the condition lead to damage to tissues and systems such as nerves, eyes, kidneys, and cardiovascular system.

The disease can occur at any age. The number of patients diagnosed with this autoimmune disease is increasing. Currently, approximately 425 million people suffer from diabetes worldwide.