Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease which affects millions of people every year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is important to know the symptoms, so you can tell if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can cause problems with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It may also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This process can take several years or even decades and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnicities as well as ages and genders. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to filter it out properly.
The signs of diabetes in men
In diabetes the cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart diseases.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are excellent choices. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may consider limiting your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will help you choose the best medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.