Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. 

When you eat, your body breaks down food into glucose, which enters your bloodstream. Insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas, helps glucose move from your blood into your cells to provide energy. 

With diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or cannot use it properly, or both, causing glucose to build up in your blood and leading to high blood sugar levels.

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

- Frequent urination  

- Increased thirst  

- Fatigue  

- Blurred vision  

- Slow wound healing  

- Unexplained weight loss (particularly in Type 1)

If not effectively managed, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease or stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, vision problems, and non-healing foot wounds or ulcers. 

However, with proper diabetes management, regular monitoring, and a healthy lifestyle—individuals with diabetes can lead long and healthy lives.