What is diabetes?
We all eat foods that contain sugar (glucose) and other carbohydrates such as fructose and starches. These nutrients serve as fuel for the body’s activities. Normally, glucose travels from our food into the stomach and intestines. Then it goes into the bloodstream and finally into our bodies' tissues, such as muscles and fat tissue.  Those tissues then “burn” the glucose or store the glucose for later use.

When a person has diabetes, glucose becomes “trapped” in the bloodstream and can’t enter our tissues. Sugar buildup in the bloodstream can eventually lead to narrowing of the blood vessels throughout the body. It can also injure the body’s nervous system. That’s why it’s important for people with diabetes to control their sugar levels.

ABC's and 1,2,3's of Diabetes Care (pdf)

More information
Have you or a family member been diagnosed with diabetes or a related condition? Click on the condition below for more information.

• Type 1 diabetes
• Type 2 diabetes
• Gestational diabetes
• Steroid-induced diabetes
   

Other associated disorders:

• Adrenal disease
• Thyroid disorders
• Polyglandular autoimmune syndrome