Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can all help in preventing or delaying the progression of the disease. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms so you can tell what’s wrong 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 the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high in time. This can lead to problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also cause damage to arteries in your heart and brain.
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 several months or even years and eventually lead to the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar levels within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a balanced diet. They might also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is increased thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able get rid of it effectively.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body tries to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, such as fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are usually high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are usually combined with changes in lifestyle, like physical activity and diet, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to select the most appropriate medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.