Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body is unable to make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it has effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the disease. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or fails to use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems with your feet, eyes, and kidneys. It can also cause damage to the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The destruction can happen over months or even years and eventually lead to an absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races as well as ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and kidneys can’t eliminate it.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also lose weight because their bodies use muscles for 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 diet for diabetes is an important part of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products such as beans, legumes, and beans are good choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might want to limit your intake of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will guide you to pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.