Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the progression of the disease. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high in time. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also harm your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The destruction can take place over many years or months and eventually lead to the total absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more at risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t filter it out.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
Men can also lose weight since their bodies utilize muscles for energy instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels are elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss and come in both tablets and injections.