Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It happens when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it can’t use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can all help in preventing or delaying the development of the disease. It is also important to recognize the signs so you can identify whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels are too high over time. This can lead to problems in 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 insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. This process can last for several months or even years and eventually lead to an absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way 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 utilized to generate energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races, ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. Women are at greater risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is increased thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and kidneys can’t eliminate it.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually due to the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole food items, including fruits whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also need to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks often have plenty of sugar that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These drugs are often paired with changes to your lifestyle, such as eating habits and physical activity to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to pick the most appropriate medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and come in both tablet and injection forms.