Introduction

Diabetes occurs when blood glucose, also called blood sugar, are too high. The body manufactures a hormone called insulin that helps use this sugar for energy. Diabetes keeps the body from producing insulin or affects how the body uses insulin. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, vision loss, loss of erection (impotence) and nerve damage (loss of feeling). Type 2 diabetes is the most common for older adults and occurs if the body makes too much insulin or doesn’t use insulin well.

What will you learn?

At the end of this overview on Diabetes you will be able to answer:

  • What is diabetes?
  • What are the symptoms and complications of diabetes?
  • How is diabetes managed?

 

View Lesson Module: Diabetes