Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot utilize the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also important to understand the symptoms so you can tell whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high over time. This can lead to problems with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It could also cause damage to 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 destruction can happen over many years or months and eventually lead to the total absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar in a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it is used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are more at risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to eliminate it correctly.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may also lose weight as their bodies rely on muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks usually contain lots of sugar, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These drugs are often paired with changes to your lifestyle, such as physical activity and diet, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled by one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will assist you to choose the best medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablets and injections.