Diabetes is a chronic incurable disease caused by a lack or by difficulty in the use of insulin, which creates excess of sugar in the blood.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It enables the sugar contained in food to be used by the human body’s cells. The cells thus get access to the energy they require to function.

In diabetic individuals, the absence/inefficiency of insulin causes an increase in the quantity of glucose in the blood. This increase brings about grave chronic complications: eye problems, kidney problems, problems with small and larger blood vessels, and the nerves.

There are two types of diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes occurs when the pancreas ceases secreting insulin entirely. Type 1 Diabetes sufferers constitute 10% of the diabetic population.

In the case of Type 2 Diabetes, the pancreas either does not secrete sufficient insulin or the body has difficulty in using insulin adequately. This type of diabetes reflects 90% of the cases.

To find out more about diabetes, visit the Diabetes Québec website.