Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also crucial to understand the symptoms to determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or years, eventually leading to the total absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races as well as ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men also may lose weight since their bodies use muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays 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 decrease the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole food items, including fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may need to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are usually high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.