How Diabetes Works and Its Different Types

After eating a meal, food is digested and broken down for absorption. As these compounds are absorbed, they are released for transport into the bloodstream. Foods are broken down into a variety of nutrients, such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Foods that contain naturally occurring or added sugars and carbohydrates break down into glucose. As they are released into the bloodstream after digestion, blood glucose level rise. As blood glucose rises, the pancreas is signaled to secrete insulin. Although insulin is constantly being secreted in small amounts, eating triggers an increase in the insulin that is released. The insulin attaches to cells and allows the glucose to enter, as a key unlocks a door and lets you in. The glucose provides the necessary energy for cells to carry out their biological duties. When we take in more glucose than our cells need for energy, the excess glucose is sent to the liver for storage. This stored glucose can be used for energy when our blood glucose levels fall lower than they should - such as between meals, when we are exercising for long periods, or when we fast.

As sugar is removed from the bloodstream through this process, blood glucose levels drop and, in turn, insulin decreases. When we begin to eat again, the liver is signaled to halt the release of its sugar reserve, and blood glucose levels return to a normal range. Now armed with this information, we can look more closely at the various types of diabetes.