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 it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels increase as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This process can last for months or even for years until it leads to the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not functioning as insulin 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 utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However women are at a 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.
One of the early warning signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your blood and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually due to the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as four liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole food items, including fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain plenty of sugar and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medicine, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will work with you to pick the most appropriate medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the chance of developing complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.