Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it’s unable to utilize 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 determine whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or isn’t able to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or aren’t able to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to problems with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It may also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for months or years until it eventually leads to a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar in an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not utilize insulin in the way it should. 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 to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a balanced diet. They also may need to take medicine to control 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, and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women with diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood, and the kidneys aren’t able filter it out effectively.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty and require to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can also lose weight since their bodies use muscle for energy rather than fat. This is because blood sugar levels remain high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are great choices. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might also want to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks are typically high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with changes in lifestyle, like exercise and diet to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled by one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will guide you to pick the best medication to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the chance of developing complications. They are also useful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.