Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also crucial to understand the symptoms to determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or aren’t able to utilize it properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels get too high in time. This can cause issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also harm the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. The destruction can take place over months or even years and eventually lead to the absence of insulin completely.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and follow a healthy diet. They might also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to filter it out.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might be advised to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks often have high levels of sugar which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in the normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.