Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or isn’t able to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or aren’t able to use it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can cause problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also harm your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The destruction can happen over months or even for years before resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be utilized to generate energy.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to remove it properly.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and they need to drink lots 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 prolonged periods of time.
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, control your weight, and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, including fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also need to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks usually contain a lot of sugar, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with changes in lifestyle, like diet and physical activity, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will guide you to pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.