Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body does not produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can all help in preventing or delaying the development of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high over time. This can lead to issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also cause damage to blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. The destruction can take place over months or years before eventually resulting in the total absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar in an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not make 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 to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races, ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
In diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty and require to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also lose weight since their bodies rely on muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a key element in managing your condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
You should include whole food items in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are a good choice. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might want to limit your intake of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks often have a lot of sugar in them and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled on one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will help you determine the most appropriate medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and they come in both tablets and injections.