Basic facts about diabetes
Approximately 20.8 million people in the United States have diabetes. Many of them don't even know they have it. If you or someone you know have diabetes, this online resource can help you.
Expert advice on basic facts
Having diabetes isn't easy, but people who have it can still live full and happy
You do need to think about meal planning, exercise, and taking medication, but lots of people think about those things whether they have diabetes or not.
You are not alone
Your healthcare provider, diabetes educator, dietitian, and pharmacist can answer your questions and give you helpful tips and support. People who have diabetes sometimes get together and talk about problems related to diabetes and discuss solutions to those problems. Companies who make insulin and other diabetes-care products often try to help by creating sites such as this one.
The Insulin/Glucose Balance
When you eat, some of your food is broken down into glucose (a kind of sugar). Glucose travels in your blood to all your body cells. Insulin, made by your pancreas, helps glucose move from your blood into your cells.
Glucose helps your cells produce the energy you need for healthy living. Glucose from food makes your blood glucose level go up.
Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by helping glucose move from your bloodstream into your cells.
When you have diabetes your body doesn’t make any insulin, it doesn't make enough insulin, or your body prevents the insulin you do produce from working properly.
“Having diabetes has been a little like learning to drive a car. At first it seemed like there was so much to remember, but pretty soon it got a lot easier. Just like driving, diabetes keeps me on my toes because there is plenty to watch out for. But now it's second nature, and not all that hard.” — W.F. 61 Years Old
