Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or when it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. This process can last for months or even years and eventually lead to an absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it can be utilized to generate energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are at greater risk than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t filter it out.
The signs of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters per day.
Men can also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels are elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
You should include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products such as beans, legumes, and beans are good choices. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might want to limit your intake of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will assist you choose the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and they are available in tablet and injection forms.