Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease which affects millions of people every year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot utilize the insulin it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the disease. It is also crucial to recognize the signs so you can determine whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or fails to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t utilize it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high in time. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can happen over months or even years until it leads to the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not make use of 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 where it can be used as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
One of the first signs of women suffering from diabetes is increased thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood, and your kidneys cannot eliminate it.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In the case of diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty, and they need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, manage your weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, such as fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are usually packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to determine the most appropriate medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and they come in both tablets and injections.