Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the progression of the disease. It is also important to be aware of the signs, so you can determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use it effectively.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can lead to problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or even years until it eventually leads to the total absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They might also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races as well as ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One of the first signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t able to filter it out effectively.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are a good choice. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might want to limit your intake of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you select the right medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and they come in both tablets and injections.