Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it has effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms to determine what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause issues with your feet, eyes, and kidneys. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
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 many months or even years, eventually resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin 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 sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They might also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One of the first signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t equipped to filter it out correctly.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men also may shed weight as their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are excellent choices. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain lots of sugar in them and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the chance of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.