In order to understand diabetes mellitus, you should have a basic understand of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is made by an organ called the pancreas. A hormone is a chemical that signals cells in your body to perform certain tasks. The pancreas is an organ that is located in your abdomen. The pancreas creates insulin as well as other hormones.
Insulin can be thought of as the key that unlocks cells in your body. Unlocking these cells allows glucose to enter them and be utilised. Glucose is a sugar that can be absorbed through food you eat or it can also be released by cells in your body. A total deficiency in insulin as in Type 1 diabetes or an insufficient quantity of insulin can lead to glucose building up in your blood stream. Patients with Type 2 diabetes also have insulin resistance. Insulin resistance refers to an impaired ability of cells of your body to utilise insulin. This means that the insulin your body produce is less effective.
Insulin can be thought of as the key that unlocks cells in your body. Unlocking these cells allows glucose to enter them and be utilised. Glucose is a sugar that can be absorbed through food you eat or it can also be released by cells in your body. A total deficiency in insulin as in Type 1 diabetes or an insufficient quantity of insulin can lead to glucose building up in your blood stream. Patients with Type 2 diabetes also have insulin resistance. Insulin resistance refers to an impaired ability of cells of your body to utilise insulin. This means that the insulin your body produce is less effective.
