Diabetes: The Mystery of the Broken Key
Imagine sitting down to eat a buttery, warm bowl of pasta. As you scarf it down, your body immediately starts working to convert that food into energy. Inside your stomach the pasta breaks down and is turned into a sugar called glucose. The glucose then moves into your blood to be distributed to different parts of your body. Glucose often gets a bad rep, but it is actually the body’s main source of energy. Your muscles need it to move. Your brain needs to think. And even your heart needs it to beat. But... glucose cannot enter these organs cells on its own. It needs help. It needs insulin.
Insulin is like the key that unlocks the doors to each of the cells of the organ, that allows the sugar to move inside. When everything works well, insulin opens the doors. The sugar leaves the blood and enters the cells. And you feel steady and energized. But in diabetes, this system does not work the way it should. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not make insulin. There is no insulin in your body, so the doors stay locked. There is no key. In type 2 diabetes, the body makes malfunctioning insulin. It's like a rusty key that doesn't open a lock. So, the cells cannot respond to the insulin well, and allow the sugar to enter the cell. When sugar cannot stay in the blood it can cause damage. This hurts the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and your heart. This happens slowly but can progressively get worse.
Symptoms patients often experience include thirst, fatigue, and needing to use the bathroom frequently. The good news is that diabetes can be managed. Healthy meals, physical activity, medications, and follow-ups with your physician can help keep your blood sugar at a safe level. Researchers are also working every day to find better treatments. Clinical research studies help doctors learn new ways to control blood sugar, prevent problems, and improve care. For some people, joining a research study can provide access to new treatment options and close medical support. If you or a loved one is struggling with diabetes, help is available. Contact our office today to learn about your care options and whether a clinical research study may be right for you. You do not have to manage this alone. With the right support, energy can find its way where it belongs.
Citations
Cleveland Clinic. “Diabetes.” Cleveland Clinic, 17 Feb. 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7104-