Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when the body does not make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or fails to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t utilize it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels can become excessively high over time. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for many years or months until it eventually leads to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole food items, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar in them that can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled by one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will assist you to select the most appropriate medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the chance of developing complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.