Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease which affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body fails to produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is important to be aware of the signs, so you can tell whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or isn’t able to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It could also cause damage to blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades and eventually lead to an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to maintain their blood sugar within an acceptable 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 helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it can be utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is increased thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
In diabetes it is when cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty and require to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
You should include whole food items in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are great choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may be advised to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar in them which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, like physical activity and diet, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medicine, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will work with you to choose the most appropriate medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.