Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It is caused when the body fails to produce enough insulin or cannot utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It is also important to recognize the signs so you can tell if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to use it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels are excessively high over time. This can lead to issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is 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 months or years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to maintain their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then utilized to generate energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes must treat their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They also may need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are at greater risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot eliminate it.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are good choices. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks usually contain a lot of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will guide you to determine the most appropriate medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of developing complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.