Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is important to be aware of the signs, so you can determine whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or aren’t able to utilize it properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high over time. This can cause problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The destruction can take place over months or years until it eventually leads to a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and kidneys can’t remove it.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and they have to drink lots of fluids.
Men can also shed weight as their bodies use muscle for energy rather than fat. This is because blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products such as beans, legumes, and beans are a good choice. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also need to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks often have a lot of sugar which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to pick the most appropriate medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss and come in both tablets and injections.