A Condition of Blood Sugar

Glucose is the main sugar in your blood. Your cells use it for fuel, so your body needs it.

After a meal, blood sugar rises, then comes back down. With diabetes, it stays higher than it should. That is the core of diabetes: too much sugar lingers in the blood.

Your pancreas, an organ near your stomach, makes insulin. Think of insulin as a key that opens your cells.

When the key turns, glucose moves from your blood into your cells. Diabetes happens when the body makes too little insulin, cannot use it well, or both.

Even with plenty of insulin, cells may not use it well. Then glucose stays in the blood and builds up.

Diabetes is a group of conditions. It is managed every day, for life. Your doctor confirms your type with blood tests.

Each type responds to different treatments. So knowing your type helps shape your care plan.

Ask your care team which checks fit that plan, and how often to do them.

Key takeaways

• Diabetes means sugar stays in the blood instead of settling back down.
• It happens when insulin is too low, poorly used, or both.
• Diabetes is managed every day, and your doctor confirms your type and plan.

Try it

If you have a lab report, find the line for blood sugar. If not, ask your clinic for a copy of your results.