Diabetes is a chronic (long-term) condition, in which a high level of glucose (sugar) is present in the bloodstream. A hormone called insulin allows glucose to move from the blood to the body's cells, which then use the glucose for energy.

Diabetes is a condition where your body is not able to turn the food you eat into energy. Your body needs insulin to unlock your body’s cells and turn the food into energy. Your entire body is made up of these tiny cells, all different kinds depending on where they are in your body.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic medical condition that causes problems with the body's ability to change food--especially sugars (carbohydrates)--into fuel for the body. High blood glucose from not properly treating the diabetes can damage the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, eyes and nervous system over many years.