Understanding Diabetes
Answers to common questions about understanding diabetes.
Questions on this page
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which blood glucose (blood sugar) becomes higher than normal. This happens when the body does not make enough insulin, does not use insulin properly, or both.
What is insulin?
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. It helps glucose move from the blood into the body's cells, where it is used for energy.
Why does blood sugar increase in diabetes?
Usually, either the body becomes resistant to insulin, the pancreas produces too little insulin, or the body cannot produce insulin at all.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Common symptoms include:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Increased hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Recurrent infections
- Slow healing of wounds
Some people have no symptoms at all and are diagnosed during a routine blood test.
Can diabetes occur without symptoms?
Yes. Type 2 diabetes can remain silent for years. This is why people at risk should undergo appropriate screening.