Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell the signs of a problem and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies cannot use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also cause damage to your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. This destruction can occur over months or even years, eventually resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar in the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes 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, where it can be used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races as well as ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is increased thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help regulate blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products such as beans, legumes, and beans are a good choice. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are often 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 an acceptable range. These drugs are often paired with changes to your lifestyle, such as eating habits and physical activity to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will help you pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.