Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or when it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It is also important to be aware of the signs, so you can determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting), which impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or are unable to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It could also cause damage to arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades, eventually leading to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it is used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of diabetes in women is increased thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood, and your kidneys cannot remove it.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also lose weight as their bodies make use of muscles for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products as well as legumes, beans and beans are good choices. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may also want to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are often packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.