Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body fails to produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the development of the disease. It is important to know the symptoms, to determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use it effectively.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels become excessively high over time. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for many years or months and eventually lead to a total lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication 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, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more susceptible than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your blood and your kidneys are not able to remove it.
The signs of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This usually happens because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and need to drink a lot of fluids.
The men may also shed weight as their bodies use muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are good choices. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might consider limiting your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes such as exercising and diet to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to select the best medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.