Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It is also essential to recognize the signs so you can tell if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t utilize it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high in time. This can lead to issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also cause damage to coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or even years, eventually resulting in an absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it can be used as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
One of the first signs of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. 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 tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men may also shed weight as their bodies utilize muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods like fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks often have high levels of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, such as physical activity and diet, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medication, you might need to add a second medication. Your doctor will guide you to pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.