Definition & Meaning of "diabetes"

What is "diabetes"?

Diabetes is a health condition where the body has difficulty controlling blood sugar levels. This occurs either because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, known as Type 1 diabetes, or because the body does not effectively use the insulin it produces, known as Type 2 diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that helps sugar, glucose, from food enter cells to be used for energy. When insulin is not working properly, sugar builds up in the blood instead of being used by cells, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar can cause various complications, such as heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems. Managing diabetes typically involves maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, monitoring blood sugar levels, and, in some cases, taking medication or insulin injections.