Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body fails to produce enough insulin or cannot utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to know the symptoms, so you can determine whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or aren’t able to use it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can lead to issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also cause damage to the coronary arteries and 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 within the pancreas. This destruction can happen over several years or even decades and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to maintain their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t remove it.
The signs of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters a day.
The men may also lose weight because their bodies make use of muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
You should include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products as well as legumes, beans and beans are great choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercising and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed on one medication it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.