Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or use the insulin that it does have effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the disease. It is also important to recognize the signs so you can determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin, or fails to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also cause damage to the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The destruction can take place over many months or even years until it leads to a complete lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used for energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. 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 people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in your blood and the kidneys aren’t able remove it properly.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
In diabetes the cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they need to drink a lot of fluids.
The men may also shed weight as their bodies use muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are great choices. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks often have plenty of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as exercising and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled on one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will work with you to pick the most appropriate medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.