Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also crucial to understand the symptoms so you can identify if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can cause issues with your eyes, feet and kidneys. It may also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This process can last for months or even years until it leads to the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activity levels to keep their blood sugar in the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to eliminate it properly.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, control your weight, and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole food items, including fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may be advised to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain a lot of sugar and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with changes in lifestyle, like physical activity and diet, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to determine the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.