Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions each year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to know if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or fails to use it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also harm your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This destruction can occur over months or even for years, eventually resulting in an absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of women with diabetes is increased thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to eliminate it effectively.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is typically because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four liters daily.
Men can also lose weight since their bodies utilize muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, including fruits whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might be advised to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are often combined with changes in lifestyle, like diet and physical activity, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed by one medication it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor can help you determine the most appropriate medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the chance of developing complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and are available in tablets and injections.