Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body fails to produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is important to know the symptoms, so you can determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or isn’t able to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to use it effectively.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels get too high in time. This can lead to issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The destruction can happen over many months or even years before resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t producing insulin as it 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 as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood glucose 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 a higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in your blood and the kidneys aren’t able get rid of it correctly.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters daily.
Men may also shed weight as their bodies use muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. 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 paired with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will work with you to choose the most appropriate medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and they come in both tablets and injections.