Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is important to know the symptoms, so you can determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels become excessively high over time. This can lead to problems with your eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also harm the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. This destruction can occur over many months or even years and eventually lead to a complete lack of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar in the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able remove it effectively.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually due to the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes 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.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods like fruits vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also want to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are usually combined with changes in lifestyle, like diet and physical activity, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to choose the best medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.