Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It is caused when the body fails to make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or fails to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also cause damage to your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This destruction can happen over months or years until it eventually leads to the complete absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t producing 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.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise. They also may need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
One early warning sign of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t able to get rid of it correctly.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters a day.
Men may also lose weight as their bodies make use of muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products such as beans, legumes, and beans are great choices. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may be advised to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are usually combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as physical activity and diet, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will help you select the right medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and are available in tablets and injections.