Blood glucose-the body's fuel
Blood sugar (blood glucose) is the amount of sugar that is in your bloodstream. Glucose is a
form of sugar that comes from your body's liver, which releases stored sugar, and the foods you eat,
which gets broken down in the digestive process. Blood sugar supplies our body's cells with the energy we
need to stay alive. However, the cells cannot use glucose without the help of insulin.
Insulin is the key
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body use glucose (sugar). It is the
"key" that unlocks the "doors" to cells, and allows glucose to enter to fuel the cells.
Your pancreas is comma-shaped gland located just behind the stomach. However, since your pancreas
isn't making enough insulin, you'll have to inject insulin with a syringe and needle or with an
insulin-delivery system like an insulin pump.
What is hyperglycemia?
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is when there is too much sugar (glucose) in your blood, and
not enough insulin. You have high blood sugar when have either poor blood-sugar control or if you get sick.
Symptoms of high blood sugar are extreme thirst, frequent urination, dry skin, hunger, blurred vision, headache,
drowsiness or being very tired, and being sick to your stomach. Test your blood sugar and record levels. If
your blood sugar is high a lot, more than 165 mg/dl, it's time to talk to your diabetes team--your parent(s),
doctor and diabetes educator--to get back on track.
