Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions each year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms to determine whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or are unable to use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can cause 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 an autoimmune condition and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can take place over several months or even years, eventually resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is increased thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able remove it in a proper manner.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This usually happens because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men can also lose weight as their bodies use muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, manage your weight and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar in them that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to select the most appropriate medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.