Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help to prevent or delay the development of the disease. It is important to understand the symptoms so you can tell whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become excessively high over time. This can cause problems with your 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 condition and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This process can take months or even years until it eventually leads to the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also must monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. 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.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. 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 illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t equipped to remove it in a proper manner.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men also may lose weight because their bodies make use of muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, such as fruits vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar in them and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are usually combined with changes in lifestyle, like eating habits and physical activity to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed on one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you determine the most appropriate medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.