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The normal process of how the body turns food into energy and the changes that occur when diabetes is present is explained below.

Food is changed in to glucose : The stomach changes the food we eat into a fuel called glucose, a form of sugar. Glucose goes into the blood stream and is carried to the millions of cells in the body.

Glucose gets into the cells : An organ called the pancreas makes a chemical called insulin. Insulin also goes into the bloodstream and travels to the cells. It meets glucose and enables it to enter the cells.

Cells turn glucose into energy : The cells metabolize (burn) the glucose to give the body energy.
When diabetes is present, the changes that happen are
Diabetes makes it harder for the body to get energy from food.

Food is changed into glucose : The stomach still changes the food we eat into glucose. Glucose goes into the bloodstream. But most of the glucose may not be able to enter the cells because:

There may not be enough insulin.
There may be plenty of insulin, but it can’t unlock the receptors.
There may be too few receptors for all the glucose to get through.

Cells can’t make energy : Most of the glucose stays in the bloodstream. This is called hyperglycemia (also known as high blood glucose or high blood sugar). Without enough glucose in the cells, the cells can’t make the energy needed to keep the body running smoothly.

SYMPTOMS:

Diabetes often goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless. Recent studies indicate that the early detection of diabetes symptoms and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications of diabetes.
Some diabetes symptoms include:

• Frequent urination
  
• Excessive thirst
  
• Extreme hunger
  
• Unusual weight loss
  
• Increased fatigue
  
• Irritability
  
• Blurry vision