Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions each year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is important to understand the symptoms to determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or aren’t able to utilize it effectively.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This destruction can occur over many months or even years and eventually lead to a complete lack of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have 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, ages and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, including heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t filter it out.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty and require to drink lots of fluids.
The men may also lose weight since their bodies use muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products as well as legumes, beans and beans are good choices. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might consider limiting your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are often packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to select the best medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and they are available in tablet and injection forms.