Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas

Diabetes is a disease of the pancreas that effects the entire body. Beta cells in the pancreas are responsible for producing the hormone insulin which allows sugar to be used for energy and for storage, unlocking cells throughout the body to allow glucose to enter as fuel. In diabetes, either the pancreas produces insufficient insulin or cells in the body are resistant to the insulin produced. Because of this, sugar remains in the blood, leading to high blood sugar levels. This sugar builds up and the excess is responsible for complications including diseases of the heart, eye, kidney, nerves and other organs. Diabetes can be inherited.

Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as insulin-dependent diabetes, is caused by the destruction of the body's insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Although this type of diabetes is more prevalent among children and adolescents, it cans strike at any age and accounts for 10 percent of all diabetic cases. Daily injections must be taken to metabolize the glucose digested. Because of the attack, the pancreas is unable to produce or does not produce insulin at all, which is needed by the body for the energy. The result is an increase of glucose amount in the blood, which consequently spills to the urine. The increased level may result to too many complications associated to diabetes so patients are undergoing regular medical treatment, plus they need to watch their diet.

Those who only know one or two facts about pancreas diseases can be confused by misleading information. The best way to help those who are misled is to gently correct them with the truths you're learning here.