Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can all help in preventing or delaying the onset of the disease. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell what’s wrong 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 happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can cause issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can take place over several years or even decades and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes must treat their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar 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. Women are more at risk than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and kidneys are unable to remove it.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to 4 liters a day.
Men may also shed weight as their bodies use muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
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 control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods like fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are typically packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as exercising and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and come in both tablets and injections.