Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It occurs because the body doesn’t make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or fails to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to use it effectively.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high over time. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. This destruction can happen over several years or even decades until it eventually leads to the total absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also have to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and the kidneys aren’t able eliminate it in a proper manner.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters per day.
The men may also lose weight since their bodies make use of muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is an important part of managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower the risk of developing heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products such as beans, legumes, and beans are great choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also want to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are typically high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will guide you to determine the most appropriate medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.