After the food is in the form of glucose, the glucose is carried to all the cells of the body for energy. In order for the cells to receive the glucose, a hormone made in the islet or B-cells of the pancreas called insulin acts a receptor on the cell membrane to let the glucose enter inside the cells. In contrast, in people with diabetes, the body does not make enough of the hormone insulin, or does not use the insulin properly. As a result, the food that is digested and becomes glucose is not able to enter the cells and it builds up inside the blood. Therefore, the cells are not getting any fuel and cannot survive without energy for an extended length of time.
Food increases the blood sugar levels while exercise and medication lower the blood sugar.
Medication may involve insulin or oral medications which help make use of any insulin that is not working properly. The diet recommended for people with diabetes is used to help control and regulate blood sugar levels and body weight. This diet is based on the Food Guide Pyramid , and follows the same dietary needs as those without diabetes. The name of the diet given to the people with diabetes is called the Exchange System . In this diet, an exchange equals one serving of food.