Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It is also important to recognize the signs so you can determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or fails to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also harm the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. This process can take months or years, eventually leading to the complete absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar levels within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, like heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot eliminate it.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
In diabetes the cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters a day.
Men may also lose weight as their bodies rely on muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a key element in managing your condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, such as fruits vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar in them which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to select the most appropriate medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and they are available in tablets and injections.