What is Diabetes?

Diabetes develops when the body cannot produce or use insulin, an essential hormone made in the pancreas. Insulin helps move glucose (a form of sugar) from the blood into the body's cells.

When glucose builds up in the bloodstream, blood glucose (or blood sugar) rises, causing a condition known as hyperglycemia. When blood glucose goes too high, people experience a variety of symptoms.

The most common symptoms include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight loss
  • Increased hunger
  • Blurred vision

Other symptoms include:

  • Irritability
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
  • Frequent skin, bladder or gum infections
  • Wounds that don't heal
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Very dry skin


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Thursday
November 20, 2008

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