Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help prevent or delay the development of the disease. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to know what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or fails to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or their bodies cannot use it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become excessively high over time. This can cause issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also cause damage to coronary arteries and brain.
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. The destruction can happen over many months or even years until it leads to the complete absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to filter it out.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
In the case of diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters daily.
The men may also lose weight since their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole food items, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also consider limiting the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks often have a lot of sugar which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes such as exercising and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will guide you to pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.