Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or use the insulin that it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can aid in preventing or reducing the onset of the disease. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It could also cause damage to blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or even years, eventually leading to the total absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it is utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women who suffer from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and the kidneys aren’t able filter it out properly.
The signs of diabetes in men
In diabetes, cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they need to drink lots of fluids.
Men may 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 long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also be able to reduce the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are often packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and they are available in tablet and injection forms.