What is diabetes

After a meal, your blood contains sugar (glucose) from the food you've eaten. The pancreas then normally produces a hormone called insulin, which makes your cells absorb glucose from the blood, to be used as energy. Without insulin, or with too little, your cells don't absorb glucose from the blood and your blood-sugar level stays higher than normal.

Symptoms and diagnosis





  • Dry mouth
  • Weak, feeling tired
  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Headaches
  • Unexplained weight loss (even though you are eating and feeling hungry)
  • Blurred vision

If you have any of these symptoms, see your health care professional. Diabetes can only be diagnosed by your healthcare professional.