Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or when it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also harm your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This destruction can happen over several years or even decades and eventually lead to a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to maintain their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way 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 to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a healthy diet. They also may need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, like heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to remove it properly.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and they have to drink plenty of fluids.
Men also may lose weight since their bodies use muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products such as beans, legumes, and beans are great choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks usually contain plenty of sugar in them that can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you choose the best medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.