Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people each year. It occurs because the body doesn’t make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to recognize the signs to determine whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as efficiently as it should.
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 their bodies aren’t able to utilize it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high in time. This can lead to problems with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or even for years and eventually lead to an absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood sugar 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, your body is not using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able filter it out properly.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, manage your weight and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products such as beans, legumes, and beans are great choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes such as exercising and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to determine the best medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the chance of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.