Diabetes Simplified

Healthy Person

After a meal, the pancreas (1) responds to increases in the glucose content (6) of the blood, releasing the proper amount of insulin (4).

Insulin molecules (4) become attached to receptors (2) on muscle cells and other cells. This, in turn, activates portals (3) that allow glucose molecules (6) to enter.

Glucose (6) is absorbed and burned by muscle cells. Thus, the glucose level in the bloodstream returns to normal.

1. Pancreas
2. Receptor
3. Portal
4. Insulin
5. Nucleus
6. Glucose
7. Cell
8. Red blood cells
9. Blood Vessel

Type 1 Diabetes

The insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas (1) are attacked by the immune system. As a result, insulin (4) is not produced.

Without the assistance of insulin (4), the glucose molecules (6) cannot enter into the cells.

Type 2 Diabetes

In most cases the pancreas (1) produces a limited amount of insulin (4).

If receptors (2) are less responsive to insulin (4), portals (3) that are needed to absorb glucose (6) from the blood are not activated.

Glucose (6) builds up in the bloodstream, thwarting vital processes and damaging vessel walls (9).

  The Challenge of Treatment
  The Role of Glucose, the Pancreas, and Sugar