Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also important to understand the symptoms so you can determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can cause issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. This destruction can happen over several years or even decades and eventually lead to the total absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to maintain their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes must treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys aren’t able to remove it in a proper manner.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty and require to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may also want to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are typically packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed on one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will work with you to determine the most appropriate medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.