Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to know if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. This process can take many years or months and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They might also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, including heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to remove it effectively.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
In diabetes the cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually due to the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty and require to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels stay high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are good choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks usually contain a lot of sugar which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These drugs are often paired with changes to your lifestyle, such as eating habits and physical activity to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will guide you to pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.