Understanding Diabetes: A Simple Guide to Managing Your Blood Sugar
Diabetes is a health condition that affects how your body handles sugar, also known as glucose. Glucose is the main source of energy for your cells, but when you have diabetes, your body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use it properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose get into your cells to be used for energy. There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when your body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the cells in your pancreas that produce insulin. This means your body can't produce insulin anymore, so you have to take insulin injections every day to survive. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, but it can develop at any age. Type 2 diabetes is more common and occurs when your body doesn't use insulin properly, or it doesn't produce enough insulin to keep your blood sugar levels in check. This type of diabetes is often linked to lifestyle factors like being ove...