Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is important to be aware of the signs, to determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that impacts 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 properly.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or even years until it eventually leads to an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it is used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to regulate 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. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is a rise in thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to eliminate it correctly.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
In diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to 4 liters a day.
The men may also shed weight as their bodies use muscles for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, including fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might want to limit your intake of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will assist you select the right medicine for your preferences and needs.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the chance of developing complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.