Glucose (commonly known as blood sugar) is the basic fuel for the cells of the body. It can be obtained through the food you eat and is also produced in your liver and muscles.  Your blood transports glucose to all the cells in your body. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas. The pancreas releases insulin into the blood to help the glucose get into your cells. However, if your body doesn’t generate enough insulin or if the insulin doesn’t work properly, glucose can’t get into your cells, which creates a buildup of glucose in your blood. This abnormal accumulation of glucose can cause pre-diabetes or diabetes.