Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when it can’t use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms to know if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or fails to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to problems with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This destruction can occur over months or even for years before resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be utilized to generate energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and kidneys are unable to remove it.
The signs of diabetes in men
In diabetes it is when cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids, as much as 4 liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle 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
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are great choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are usually high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, like diet and physical activity, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medicine, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor can help you select the right medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.