The human body is made up of millions of tiny cells which use sugar (glucose) extracted from food as a source of energy. During digestion, nutrients and sugar enter the bloodstream and the body automatically produces insulin to aid in transferring the sugar into the cells. The insulin enables the cells to pull the sugar out of the blood and into the cells. Without enough insulin or cell receptors the sugar remains in the blood and can cause long-term nerve damage, kidney damage, and heart disease.

What is Diabetes?

• Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin.
• The cause of diabetes is unknown, but genetics, obesity, and lack of exercise appear to play a significant role.
• An estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, but nearly 6.2 million people are unaware that they have the disease.

For more details on the University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, please call 440-285-7757.