Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body is unable to make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to know the symptoms, to determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also cause damage to the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The destruction can take place over months or even years until it eventually leads to a total lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t producing insulin as 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 to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races as well as ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are more at risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One early warning sign of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood, and your kidneys cannot eliminate it.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters per day.
Men also may lose weight as their bodies rely on muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Include whole foods 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 also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks often have plenty of sugar, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are often combined with changes in lifestyle, like eating habits and physical activity to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor can help you pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.