CONTROLLING YOUR DIABETES

WHAT IS DIABETES?

Much of the food we eat is broken down into glucose (a kind of sugar). This glucose then travels into the blood where it is carried to the cells. Insulin is a substance made by the body that allows glucose to get into the cells. Inside the cells, the glucose is used as fuel to give us energy.

If you have diabetes, your body cannot make enough insulin, or it cannot properly use the insulin it makes. The glucose stays in your blood, and your cells don't get the energy they need.

There are two main types of diabetes: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs early in life. With Type 1 diabetes, you need to take insulin every day. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type. It can often be controlled by eating carefully and by being physically active every day. But you may need pills or insulin or both if your blood glucose cannot be lowered to a normal level with diet and exercise.