Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It is caused because the body doesn’t make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to determine whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This process can take many years or months, eventually leading to a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels in order 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 that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it is utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medications to control their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnicities and ages as well as genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t equipped to eliminate it properly.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important part of managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, manage your weight and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are good choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are often high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will guide you to select the right medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.