Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or when it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It’s important to be aware of symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also cause damage to 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 the insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. This destruction can happen over many years or months and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t functioning as insulin 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 to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. However 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 vision loss.
One of the early warning signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are good choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might need to add a second medication. Your doctor will guide you to determine the most appropriate medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and come in both tablet and injection forms.