Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also important to recognize the signs so you can tell whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels get too high in time. This can cause issues in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It can also damage the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The destruction can take place over several months or even years and eventually lead to the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it is used as energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medications 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, ethnicities and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and kidneys can’t remove it.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
In diabetes the cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing 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 because their bodies make use of muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, control your weight, and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are a good choice. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks are typically high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you select the right medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.