Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It occurs because the body doesn’t make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It is also crucial to know the symptoms, so you can identify whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels are too high over time. This can cause issues with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also cause damage to your heart 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 cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can take place over many years or months and eventually lead to an inability to produce insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their 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 may not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and kidneys can’t remove it.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters daily.
Men may also lose weight because their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are excellent choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may be advised to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor can help you choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.