Diabetes is characterized by the way the body is able to metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Therefore, metabolic complications of diabetes are inherent in all patients. The criteria for diagnosis of diabetes are classic displayed symptoms (weight loss, increased daytime glucose levels of 11.1 and higher), fasting glucose of 7.0 or higher, and a postprandial glucose test (PGTT) of 11.1 or higher. Produced by the pancrease, insulin serves multiple functions in the metabolic process. Within seconds of release, insulin increases the transport of glucose, amino acids, and potassium into cells. In minutes it begins to stimulate the synthesis of protein, preventing it’s breakdown, and activation of glycogen synthase and glycogenesis. In hours, insulin increases conversion of glucose to fatty acids (lipogenesis). Function of all things is to increase glucose uptake and use, synthesis of proteins, and storage of fats. Additionally, it reduces the release of glucose from the liver and …