Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or aren’t able to use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels get excessively high over time. This can lead to problems with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. This destruction can happen over many years or months until it eventually leads to the total absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells get 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 by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are more at risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and the kidneys aren’t able eliminate it in a proper manner.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as 4 liters a day.
The men may also lose weight as their bodies make use of muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for long 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 control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also need to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are typically high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are usually combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as eating habits and physical activity to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to pick the most appropriate medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.