Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the onset of the disease. It is also important to understand the symptoms so you can determine whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or cannot use it correctly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also harm 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 insulin-producing cells and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades, eventually leading to an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is required by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar in an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys aren’t able to remove it properly.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
In diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to 4 liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are great choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled on one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to select the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and they come in both tablets and injections.