Diabetes - Facts You May Not Know

 

		Kidneys Our kidneys contain 2 million tiny blood filters which filter 50 gallons of blood every day. This means that your entire volume of blood gets filtered 20 - 25 times per day! Our kidneys are about the size of a computer mouse and together they produce approximately 6.3 cups of urine per day. The filtering units of the kidney are filled with tiny blood vessels. Over time, high blood sugar levels can cause these vessels to become narrow and clogged leading to increased pressure. Without enough blood flow, the kidneys become damaged and are no longer able to filter properly. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide. Kidney disease is often silent. You may have lost 80% of your kidney function before you feel anything.
		Pancreas The pancreas is a carrot-shaped gland that is about six inches long that lies behind your stomach. It is a dual-function gland that secretes both digestive enzymes and hormones. The pancreas produces the hormones, insulin and glucagon, which are vital for regulating our blood sugar. When the body is functioning properly, these two hormones work as a team to keep blood sugar levels from becoming either too high or too low. A person with type 2 diabetes still produces insulin but the body doesn't respond to it normally. Glucose is less able to enter the cells and do its job of supplying energy (insulin resistance). This causes the blood sugar level to rise, making the pancreas produce even more insulin. Eventually, the cells of the pancreas can wear out from the strain of working overtime to produce extra insulin and may no longer make enough to keep blood sugar levels normal.

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