Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot utilize the insulin it has effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the progression of the disease. It is also essential to recognize the signs so you can determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or isn’t able to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels are too high over time. This can cause problems with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This process can take several years or even decades, eventually leading to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to maintain their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it can be used as energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They might 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 of all races and ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are more at risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able remove it effectively.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This usually happens because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are great choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also want to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks usually contain lots of sugar in them and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled on one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of developing complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.