Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms to know what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or fails to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies cannot use it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can happen over several months or even years, eventually resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are more susceptible than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able eliminate it properly.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually due to the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty and require to drink lots of fluids.
The men may also shed weight as their bodies use muscles for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help regulate blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, such as fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might want to limit your intake of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will assist you determine the most appropriate medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and they come in both tablets and injections.