Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness 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 produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It is also crucial to be aware of the signs, so you can tell whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It could also cause damage to blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This process can take months or even years until it eventually leads to the total absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be used as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
The signs of diabetes in men
In diabetes the cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose from 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 a day.
Men may also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, control your weight, and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, such as fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might want to limit your intake of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These drugs are often paired with changes in lifestyle, like exercise and diet to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will help you choose the best medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.