What is Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic (long-term) condition in which the body does not make or use insulin correctly.

Why is insulin important

• Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas (an organ located next to your stomach) that helps to maintain normal blood glucose levels.
  When you eat, some of the food is broken down into glucose (a type of sugar). Glucose travels in your blood to all your body cells. Your cells need glucose for energy.
• The pancreas releases insulin after you have eaten.
• Insulin helps move glucose from the blood to your body cells. Insulin is like a key that unlocks the doors of your cells so that glucose can get in and be used as a source of energy.
• Without insulin, glucose cannot get into the cells and will remain in your blood.