What Happens In Diabetes
What happens in diabetes?
Lack of insulin or a resistance to insulin is known to have major metabolic effects. Food powers our bodies. When we eat food, most digestable carbohydrates are converted into glucose and rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. We use this glucose for energy.
However these carbohydrates cannot be utilized effectively and excess glucose cannot be stored in the liver. The glucose level in the blood increases but the cells of the body will be lacking of glucose and energy. There are cells in the pancreas known as islets and they make insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. The function of the insulin is to regulate blood glucose levels. Good insulin production indicates that food and energy are in good supply and dietary protein can be used to build and repair tissues. Shortage of insulin leads to glycogen, fat and protein being broken down into glucose. When the glucose is not utilized by body without any insulin, blood sugar level will rise, leading to diabetes.
Complications of diabetes …show more content…
However with the correct treatment and lifestyle changes, these complications can be delayed or avoided. Studies have been shown to link the positive relationship of good glycemic control and complications. The complications of diabetes can be divided into macrovascular and microvascular. Macrovascular complications refer to disease affecting the arteries that supply the heart, brain and legs. Examples of macrovascular complications are coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral vascular disease. Microvascular complications are known to affect mainly the small vessels in the retina, kidney and nerve
Lack of insulin or a resistance to insulin is known to have major metabolic effects. Food powers our bodies. When we eat food, most digestable carbohydrates are converted into glucose and rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. We use this glucose for energy.
However these carbohydrates cannot be utilized effectively and excess glucose cannot be stored in the liver. The glucose level in the blood increases but the cells of the body will be lacking of glucose and energy. There are cells in the pancreas known as islets and they make insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. The function of the insulin is to regulate blood glucose levels. Good insulin production indicates that food and energy are in good supply and dietary protein can be used to build and repair tissues. Shortage of insulin leads to glycogen, fat and protein being broken down into glucose. When the glucose is not utilized by body without any insulin, blood sugar level will rise, leading to diabetes.
Complications of diabetes …show more content…
However with the correct treatment and lifestyle changes, these complications can be delayed or avoided. Studies have been shown to link the positive relationship of good glycemic control and complications. The complications of diabetes can be divided into macrovascular and microvascular. Macrovascular complications refer to disease affecting the arteries that supply the heart, brain and legs. Examples of macrovascular complications are coronary artery disease, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral vascular disease. Microvascular complications are known to affect mainly the small vessels in the retina, kidney and nerve