Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body fails to make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms to determine what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or fails to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become excessively high over time. This can lead to problems with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also harm your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can happen over several months or even years before resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in your blood and the kidneys aren’t able filter it out correctly.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters per day.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also consider limiting the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are typically packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These drugs are often paired with changes in lifestyle, like diet and physical activity, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medication, you might need to add a second medication. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.