Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it can’t use the insulin it does have effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the development of the disease. It is also important to understand the symptoms so you can determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing 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. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This process can take months or years and eventually lead to the total absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their 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 may not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in your blood and the kidneys aren’t able filter it out correctly.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they have to drink a lot of fluids.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a key element in managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
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 such as beans, legumes, and beans are a good choice. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may also need to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are typically high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes, such as exercising and diet 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 guide you to determine the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and come in both tablets and injections.