Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is important to know the symptoms, to determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin, or their bodies cannot use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels can become too high over time. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also cause damage to your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for many years or months, eventually leading to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes 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 within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to filter it out in a proper manner.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters a day.
Men may also lose weight because their bodies use muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products such as beans, legumes, and beans are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might be advised to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, like eating habits and physical activity to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled on one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor can help you choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the risk of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.