Diabetes is a disease that occurs when the body does not use insulin properly, does not make enough insulin, or does not make any insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin helps regulate the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Insulin accompanies glucose through the bloodstream and "unlocks" cells, allowing glucose to enter the cells and produce energy. When there is not enough insulin, or the cell becomes resistant to insulin, the correct amount of glucose needed by the cells is not available. The cell becomes insensitive and the glucose builds up in the bloodstream. The body recognizes the increased glucose level and produces more insulin. The body then stores this extra insulin as fat. This condition is known as hyperglycemia. In direct contrast, if there is too little glucose, a condition known as hypoglycemia can occur. Dizziness, shakiness, fatigue and mental confusion follow. The brain cannot function without glucose. It cannot convert fat into glucose. Therefore, when a person's blood sugar is low, that individual can lose consciousness and go into a diabetic coma.
