Volume :
5
Issue :
2
Abstract :
Diabetes is a very common disease or disorder of metabolism. It is a complex group of diseases triggered by various causes. People with diabetes have high blood glucose, also known as high blood sugar or hyperglycemia. The digestive tract breaks down carbohydrates or sugar and starches found in many foods into glucose, a form of sugar that enters the bloodstream. With the help of the hormone insulin the bodies absorbs glucose and utilizes it for producing energy. Diabetes develops when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or use insulin effectively. Insulin is made in the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. The Pancreas contains clusters of cells called islets; the beta cells within the islets make insulin and release it to the blood. If the beta cells don’t produce enough insulin or the body is unable to respond to insulin that is present, the glucose builds up in the blood instead of being absorbed by the cells in the body, leading to prediabetes or diabetes. Prediabetes is a condition in which the blood glucose levels or A1C levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. In diabetes the body cells lack enough energy, even though the glucose levels are very high. The increase in the blood sugar levels damages nerves and blood vessels. It also leads to complications like cardiovascular diseases, strokes, kidney problems, blindness, dental problems and amputations. High blood glucose levels also damage nerves and blood vessels.