What is diabetes?

                                  By: Easton Fuller

Before we can talk about diabetes we need to know about what causes it. The pancreas is an organ located in the abdomen. It plays an essential role in converting the food we eat into fuel for our body's cells. 

The pancreas produces a hormone called insulin for the human body when we eat, BUT when it starts to fail...

The pancreas may not produce enough insulin, leading to a disease called Diabetes.

Some signs and symptoms of having diabetes include: thirst, hunger, frequent urination and weight loss. When you notice these symptoms make sure to talk to a medical provider. 

When you are first diagnosed with diabetes, you have to test your blood sugar (glucose). In order to test your blood sugar you have to use a little needle to prick your finger. After you draw blood, you use a blood glucose meter to see how much sugar is in your blood.

Once diagnosed with diabetes you now have to give yourself an insulin shot(s) daily because your body no longer produces insulin. This shot is especially important at meal times.

There are two types of diabetes. There is Type 1 and Type 2. Just for this page I will talk about Type 2 diabetes. With Type 2, the pancreas produces less insulin than it used to. Now your body builds a resistant to insulin. When this happens you have to start eating healthy and exercise to control the disease. 

Did you know, even animals can get diabetes?

Animals that can get diabetes include dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and even apes. That is why it is very important to take care of your favorite animal.