Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when the body is unable to make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms to determine if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It can also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. This destruction can happen over several years or even decades until it eventually leads to the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust 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 utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnicities, ages, and genders. Women are more at risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty and require to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, control your weight, and reduce heart disease risk factors.
Include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are great choices. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may need to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar in them and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will guide you to choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and come in both tablets and injections.