Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions each year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or isn’t able to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause issues with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also cause damage to the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. The destruction can happen over months or even for years and eventually lead to a complete lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They might also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more at risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t equipped to filter it out properly.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters per day.
Men can also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a key element in managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, control your weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are great choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, like physical activity and diet, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.