Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin 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 know the symptoms, so you can determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or fails to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems with your eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This process can take months or even years before eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They also may need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to eliminate it correctly.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty and require to drink plenty of fluids.
The men may also lose weight because their bodies use muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a key element in managing your condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
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 saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might also consider limiting the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are usually high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, like diet and physical activity, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed by one medication it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will work with you to determine the most appropriate medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.