Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when the body fails to produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it has effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to determine what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become excessively high over time. This can cause problems with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It could also cause damage to coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This process can take several years or even decades until it eventually leads to the total absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it can be utilized to generate energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They also may need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. However women are at a higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
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 leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty and require to drink lots of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss because their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for 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 excellent choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are often high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medication, you might need to add a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and they are available in tablet and injection forms.