Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body is unable to make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell the signs of a problem and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or are unable to use it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels are too high in time. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can happen over months or even years before resulting in an absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin each day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
One of the first signs of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys aren’t able to eliminate it effectively.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters per day.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole food items, including fruits whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might be advised to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain plenty of sugar which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to choose the best medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the chance of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.