Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It happens because the body doesn’t produce 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 with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also harm the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or years until it eventually leads to a total lack of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to maintain their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not making the insulin it needs to. 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 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races and ethnicities and ages as well as genders. Women are more susceptible than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys aren’t able to eliminate it in a proper manner.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may want to limit your intake of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and physical activity to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medicine, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to select the best medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.