Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to know the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause problems with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
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. This process can last for several months or even years, eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make 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 for energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes through a healthy diet and exercise. They also may need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races and ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than men.
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 early warning sign of women suffering from diabetes is increased thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to filter it out in a proper manner.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, manage your weight, and lower the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods like fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may also need to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks often have plenty of sugar, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, like diet and physical activity, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to pick the most appropriate medication for your specific needs and preferences.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and they are available in tablets and injections.