Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that is affecting millions of people each year. It is caused when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or use the insulin that it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of the signs, to determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that impacts 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 well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It can also damage the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This process can take months or years before eventually resulting in the total absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a balanced diet. They also may need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t able to remove it correctly.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
In diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters per day.
The men may also lose weight since their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products such as beans, legumes, and beans are a good choice. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are usually combined with changes in lifestyle, like diet and physical activity, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to select the most appropriate medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.