Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can lead to problems with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This process can take many years or months until it eventually leads to the total absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are more at risk than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of women suffering from diabetes is a rise in thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able filter it out effectively.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters per day.
Men may also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods like fruits whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may need to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as physical activity and diet, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed on one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablets and injections.