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Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body either produces little to no insulin or not enough insulin. This condition has no cure, however it is treated using insulin.
The pancreas is the organ in the body that is located behind and below the stomach. This organ produces insulin.
When there is too much sugar in the blood (after eating), a signal is sent to the pancreas to produce insulin, which then release insulin into the bloodstream.
Where the insulin acts like a key to the liver, fat and muscle cells to "unlock" their ability to take in glucose. The cells will then take in glucose which will be used as energy.
This then lowers the glucose levels in the blood. As it is lowered, a signal is sent to the pancreas to stop producing insulin.
You can watch the vido above for a brief summary of how insulin works in the body.
When glucose levels are low, the liver breaks down stored glycogen into glucose. This keeps the body's glucose level within a healthy range.
Causes
Causes of diabetes include:
Insulin resistance: type 2 diabetes is a result of insulin resistance. Where the fat, muscle and liver cells doesn't respond to the insulin as they should.
Autoimmune disease: type 1 diabetes is a result of your immune system attacking the insulin producing cells in your pancreas.
Hormonal imbalance: during pregnancy, the placenta releases hormones that cause insulin resistance. Where you may develop gestational diabetes if your pancreas can't produce enough insulin to overcome the insulin resistance.
Pancreatic damage: physical damage to your pancreas from a condition, surgery or injury can impact the pancreas's ability to produce insulin.
Genetic mutation: where diabtes is common in your family or present in a close relative.
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