Diabetes Care and Support

Finding out you have diabetes is the first step in taking charge of it. The more you know about diabetes, the better choices you can make for your health.

Diabetes is a complex disease, but you don’t have to fight it alone. At Banner Health, we are ready to help you understand more about your diabetes and how to manage some of its challenges.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is essential for your health because it’s a vital source of energy for the cells that make up your muscles and tissues.

Your body turns food like bread, rice and milk into sugar (glucose) for energy. Insulin, a hormone made in your pancreas, helps this sugar enter your body’s cells for fuel. If your body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly, the sugar builds up in your blood and causes high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). 

Managing diabetes means finding a balance between blood sugar and insulin, often through lifestyle changes or medication. While it may be overwhelming at first, over time you will become more in tune with your body and what it needs to stay healthy.

Managing diabetes is a team effort. Talk to your health care team, who can help tailor your plan and answer questions along the way.