ABOUT DIABETES

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition characterised by high levels of glucose (or sugar) in the blood. When a person has a high blood sugar level they are said to be hyperglycaemic.

Glucose is essential for providing the body with energy. The body converts many of the foods that we eat into glucose. A hormone called insulin is required to transfer glucose from the bloodstream to the body’s cells.

If you suspect or know you have diabetes it is important to speak with your doctor to seek testing and advice on how to best manage your diabetes.

What is the cause of diabetes?

Diabetes occurs when there is not enough insulin to help get the glucose out of the bloodstream and into the body’s cells.

All types of diabetes lead to high blood glucose levels. The most common are Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. Each diabetes type has a different cause. (please see “What are the types of diabetes”).

High blood glucose levels usually occur because:

  • The pancreas is unable to produce any or enough insulin.  This happens in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, or

  • The body’s cells are resistant to the action of insulin (insulin resistance).  This occurs in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

What part does the pancreas play in diabetes?

The pancreas is a leaf-shaped gland located behind the stomach. It is responsible for the production of insulin, which is the hormone that helps regulate blood glucose levels.

After a meal, the blood glucose level rises, causing the pancreas to normally release insulin into the blood. In a healthy person, the insulin allows the body’s cells to absorb glucose so it can be used as energy. When there is enough insulin, the blood sugar levels stay in the normal range.

For people living with diabetes, there are two main reasons why the blood sugar levels are high.  This is because either:

  1. Little or no insulin is produced by the pancreas, or
  2. The body’s cells are resistant to the action of insulin.

This results in glucose being unable to enter the cells and therefore we see increased blood glucose levels (sometimes known as hyperglycaemia).