
It is a disorder in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins caused by a deficiency of insulin, which can be absolute or relative. For its part, insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of pancreas to control blood sugar (blood glucose levels).
Insulin deficiency causes impairment in the ability of tissues to utilize nutrients, resulting in increased blood glucose (hyperglycaemia).
Normally, when glucose exceeds 110 mg / dl is secreted insulin and low blood sugar to normal (80-110 mg / dl). When the blood sugar falls below 60 mg / dl, normal production slows insulin, which limits the use of glucose by the tissues and allows increased blood glucose to normal.
The body gets its energy in the form of carbohydrates, fats and proteins through the diet. This provides fuel for 4-8 hours of cell metabolism. After this period the body will draw on glucose produced by the liver primarily, but all controlled by the degree of insulin producing pancreatic cells.