Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to determine what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies cannot use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause problems with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It may also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. This process can last for months or even for years before resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes must treat their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races and ethnicities and ages as well as genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood and the kidneys aren’t able eliminate it effectively.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and need to drink lots of fluids.
Men can 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 stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, such as fruits vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might be advised to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and physical activity to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.