Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is important to be aware of the signs, so you can tell whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels are too high over time. This can cause problems with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This destruction can happen over several years or even decades before eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then utilized to generate energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to filter it out correctly.
Men with diabetes 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 produces insufficient insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four liters daily.
Men can also lose weight since their bodies utilize muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may also need to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar in them which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to determine the most appropriate medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.