The Body's Sugar Factory

By Kristina Dell

1 FOOD IS DIGESTED Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose--energy blocks for the cells. Glucose is absorbed from the intestines into the blood, where it travels to the liver and other organs

2 GLUCOSE IS RELEASED The liver is programmed to release a certain amount of glucose into the blood and save the rest for future use

3 AS THE PANCREAS RELEASES INSULIN Rising levels of glucose in the blood trigger the pancreas to secrete insulin into the bloodstream

4 AND CELLS RECEIVE ENERGY The insulin "key" must fit into the cell's insulin-receptor "lock" for glucose to get inside the cells

DIABETES: WHAT GOES WRONG

In Type 2 diabetes, faulty insulin-receptors prevent the key from opening the cell. At other times the insulin does not work properly or the pancreas does not produce enough of it. Either way, glucose cannot enter the cells and builds up in the blood. Eventually, this can damage small capillaries

At risk:

HEART High blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood-clotting problems and heart failure

EYES Retinopathy, cataracts and glaucoma

NERVOUS SYSTEM Strokes, impotence and foot ulcers leading to amputations

KIDNEYS Kidney disease

Sources: American Diabetes Association; CDC; Reuters; Dr. Frank Vinicor; Dr. David Nathan