Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions each year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to know the signs of a problem 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 isn’t producing enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It could also harm your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The destruction can take place over months or even years, eventually leading to an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is required by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar levels within the normal 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 which helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. However women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to remove it in a proper manner.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as four liters per day.
Men can also lose weight as their bodies utilize muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods like fruits, whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might need to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and they are available in tablet and injection forms.