What is diabetes often associated with?

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that directly impacts how the body utilizes glucose, the main source of energy. When someone has diabetes, particularly type 1 diabetes, their body fails to produce enough insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar, or when someone has type 2 diabetes, their cells become resistant to insulin. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood. This accumulation can lead to various symptoms, including a loss of weight and tiredness, because the body's cells are unable to effectively use glucose for energy.

Weight loss can occur because, in the absence of enough insulin, the body starts breaking down fat and muscle to meet its energy needs, leading to unintended weight loss. Tiredness is a common symptom arising from the lack of energy that the cells can utilize, making it difficult for individuals to maintain their normal activity levels.

In combination, these symptoms reflect the fundamental problems associated with the metabolic processes in diabetes, emphasizing how critical maintaining proper insulin function is for overall health and energy regulation.