Diabetes is a long-term health condition that affects how your body converts food into energy. The majority of the food you eat is converted into sugar (glucose) by your body and released into your bloodstream. When your blood sugar rises, your pancreas sends a signal to release insulin. Insulin functions as a key, allowing blood sugar to enter cells and be used as energy. Diabetes that is poorly managed can have serious consequences, causing damage to many of your body's organs and tissues, including your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves
