Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood sugar (blood glucose), is too high. Blood glucose is the body’s main source of energy and it comes from food. High blood sugar may result after someone with diabetes consumes foods containing carbohydrates (sugar).  This is because their body is unable to  produce enough of a hormone called insulin (made by the pancreas) which helps the body utilize glucose or the insulin produced does not work properly; therefore, glucose  from food  remains in the bloodstream and is unable to get into the cells of the body where it can be used for energy.

If not properly managed, the excess blood sugar in diabetes can damage the blood vessels and nerve endings in various parts of the body resulting in serious complications. It can cause damage to the eyes, kidneys, sex organs – leading to sexual problems, and damage other body parts such as the limbs which may result in amputations. Untreated diabetes may also more than double the risk of heart attack and stroke. Proper self-management is a key component of preventing these complications.