Diabetes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that affects how the body uses blood glucose. Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells. It is the brain's main source of fuel.

Types of diabetes
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Type 2 diabetes
No Diabetes

Insulin is passed into the bloodstream.

It allows glucose into the cells.

Type 1 Diabetes

Pancreas stops making insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

The body can’t use insulin right away or pancreas can’t make enough.

What are possible causes?
Type 1 diabetes
  • Environment
  • Genetics
Type 2 diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Not getting enough exercise
What are some symptoms?
  • Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands
  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Sores that do not heal
  • Increased hunger
  • Blurred vision
  • Eeight loss
  • Fatigue
What to do?
  • Choose a variety of healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables
  • Limit fried foods, salty foods, sweets, and sugary drinks
  • Choose sugar substitutes like stevia, xylitol, and monk fruit sweetener
  • Regular physical activity can help lower blood sugar levels
  • Consult a doctor or dietitian before making big changes
  1. Healthwise Staff. Diabetes. Michigan Medicine University of Michigan. https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/center1010. Updated August 21, 2019. Accessed December 1, 2020.
  2. What is Insulin? Hormone Health Network. https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/glands-and-hormones-a-to-z/hormones/insulin. Updated November 2018. Accessed December 1, 2020.
  3. What is Glucagon? Hormone Health Network. https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/glands-and-hormones-a-to-z/hormones/glucagon. Updated November 2018. Accessed December 1, 2020.
  4. Symptoms & Causes of Diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/symptoms-causes. Published December 2016. Accessed December 9, 2020.
  5. Diabetes Diet, Eating, & Physical Activity. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/diet-eating-physical-activity. Published December 1, 2016. Accessed January 20, 2021.