What Is Diabetes Mellitus?

Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels. Over time, high blood sugar can damage many parts of the body, including the heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes. Glucose is the body’s main source of energy and comes primarily from the foods we eat, especially carbohydrates. A hormone called Insulin, produced by the pancreas, helps glucose enter the body’s cells so it can be used for energy. When someone has diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin effectively, leading to high levels of glucose in the bloodstream.