Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use it correctly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also cause damage to the arteries 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 insulin-producing cells and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades until it eventually leads to an inability to produce insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then used as energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They also may need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races, ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are more at risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood, and your kidneys cannot eliminate it.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This usually happens because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as 4 liters a day.
Men also may shed weight as their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are good choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar in them which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor can help you select the right medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the risk of developing complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.