Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It is also essential to recognize the signs to determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or fails to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or are unable to use it effectively.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can cause issues with your eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or even years until it eventually leads to a total lack of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They might also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races as well as ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
One of the first signs of women suffering from diabetes is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to get rid of it correctly.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty, and they have to drink a lot of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole food items, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you select the right medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.