Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the development of the disease. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or are unable to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to problems with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It may also cause damage to 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 process can last for months or even for years and eventually lead to the absence of insulin completely.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are more at risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women with diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t able to filter it out properly.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
In the case of diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually due to the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help manage blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products such as beans, legumes, and beans are great choices. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also want to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are typically high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercising and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to select the most appropriate medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.