Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions each year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or when it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is also crucial to recognize the signs so you can tell if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or their bodies cannot use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. This destruction can occur over many months or even years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make 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 diabetics have to exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also need to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. However, women are at a 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.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and the kidneys aren’t able filter it out effectively.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and need to drink lots of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar, reduce your weight and risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole food items, including fruits whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks often have a lot of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and exercise to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will work with you to select the best medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and they are available in tablet and injection forms.