Why do we eat & what is diabetes? (summary)

We eat to obtain nutrients. This happens through the following process:

• The breakdown of food into glucose begins in the mouth, where the food mixes with saliva.
• From here it travels down the food pipe (which is called the oesophagus) and into the stomach, where it is broken down further.
• The stomach breaks down food into smaller pieces.
• After about six hours, food passes into the small intestine. Here the nutrients in the food are absorbed. This includes vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
• Nutrient-rich blood moves to the liver. The liver filters out waste products. The liver helps control how nutrients flow to the rest of the body, and how many nutrients will be stored.
• Food moves into the large intestine. This is the last area where water and minerals can be absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Any food left gets harder and forms stool. This moves out of the body via the rectum.

Diabetes is where there is too much glucose in the blood.

There are several types of diabetes:

Type 1 and Type 2 are the most common.

How common is it?

Diabetes is common. You are not alone.

• More than 4.9 million people in the UK have diabetes. The number is growing all the time.
• Doctors think an additional 850,000 are currently living undiagnosed with Type 2 diabetes in the UK.
• About 85% of people with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes.

What causes Type 2 Diabetes?

It is caused by insulin resistance or the body making less insulin.

How serious is it?

Although it is a serious condition, with the right treatment, care and lifestyle adjustments, you can control your Type 2 diabetes and may even put it into remission.

How can we manage it?

Empower T2N can help you take the steps towards leading a healthier life where you feel better able to manage your condition.