Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also crucial to recognize the signs so you can determine whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it effectively.
The blood sugar levels increase as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also harm the 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 cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for many years or months until it eventually leads to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
One early warning sign of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty and require to drink lots of fluids.
Men also may lose weight because their bodies use muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are a good choice. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will assist you to pick the best medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.