Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It happens because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it does have effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the disease. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels get too high over time. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This destruction can happen over several years or even decades until it eventually leads to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races as well as ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are more at risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t filter it out.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters per day.
Men may also lose weight since their bodies utilize muscles for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are excellent choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medications are typically combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as eating habits and physical activity to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to select the most appropriate medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.