Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the disease. It is important to be aware of the signs, to determine whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or fails to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause issues with your eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart as well as the 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 destruction can occur over months or even for years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medications to control their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races as well as ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. Women are more at risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is a rise in thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and your kidneys aren’t able to eliminate it in a proper manner.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In diabetes the cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. The body tries to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels remain high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help regulate blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods like fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks typically contain a lot of sugar which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in the normal range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will help you select the right medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.