Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also important to understand the symptoms 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 turns food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage 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 cells that produce insulin and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for months or years until it eventually leads to an inability to produce insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activity levels to keep their blood sugar in the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t producing insulin as 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 for energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at greater risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to eliminate it effectively.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters per day.
Men can also lose weight since their bodies use muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole food items, including fruits vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often packed with sugar and 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 an acceptable range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to select the most appropriate medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.