What Happens When You Have Diabetes?

When you have diabetes, your body can't properly use the energy from the food you eat. This problem is closely tied to how your body makes and uses insulin. Insulin is a substance made in your pancreas (an organ in your body) that helps to keep your blood sugar in the normal range.

• In type 1 diabetes, your body makes little or no insulin. This is called insulin deficiency.
• In type 2 diabetes, your body makes insulin but your cells cannot use it well. This is called insulin resistance. Also, your ability to make insulin gradually decreases as time goes by.
• In both types of diabetes, sugar builds up in your bloodstream because it cannot enter the cells.
• Without sugar for fuel in the cells, your body lacks energy.
• Sugar stays in your blood and you have high blood sugar levels.
• High blood sugar levels can damage your blood vessels, and over a long period of time can result in serious problems. Learn more about complications associated with diabetes.

Though there is no cure for diabetes, it can be managed by keeping your blood sugar close to normal. With type 2 diabetes, this can be done with proper meal planning, exercise, and possibly medicines. While patients with type 1 diabetes can also improve their blood sugar control with proper meal planning and exercise, they require insulin due to the fact that their bodies make little or no insulin. Your blood sugar levels should improve with treatment. However, this does not mean that your diabetes has gone away. It just means your blood sugars are in control.