More than 34.3 million Americans – just over 1 in 10 – have diabetes, 88 million of the American population have prediabetes.
What are diabetes and its types?
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition affecting how the body turns food into energy. Most of the food we consume is broken down into sugar, called glucose, and released into the bloodstream. When the blood sugar is high, it signals the pancreas to release insulin. It acts like a key that lets the blood sugar into the body’s cells for use as energy.
If left untreated, high blood sugar levels from diabetes can damage the nerves, kidneys, eyes, and other organs. The diabetes medication you consume will depend on the diabetes type and how well the medicine controls the blood sugar levels.
There are three types of diabetes, such as:
- Type I diabetes
This type of diabetes is caused by the autoimmune reaction in which the body attacks itself by mistake; it stops the body from producing insulin. It is estimated that more than 8% of people with diabetes have type 1. Symptoms of type 1 diabetes develop quickly. It usually occurs in teens, young adults, and children. People with type 1 diabetes should consume insulin daily to survive.
- Type II diabetes
In this diabetes, the body does not use insulin and cannot blood sugar at normal levels. About more than 95% of people with diabetes have type 2. It develops over the years and is usually diagnosed in adults (but it is more common in children, young adults, teens). The symptoms of this diabetes are not noticeable, so you must get your blood sugar tested if you are at risk. You can prevent or delay diabetes type 2 with the help of lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating, losing weight, and working out.
- Gestational diabetes
There are two categories of gestational diabetes. Women with class A1 can maintain it with the help of exercise and diet. Those with class A2 need to consume medications and insulin.
It may go away after giving birth. But it may affect the baby’s health and raises the risk of getting type 2 diabetes later in life, which will require you to take Glucobay 100mg.
What is the diabetes medication insulin, and how does it work?
Insulin is a hormone generated by certain cells in the pancreas known as beta cells; it helps the body use blood sugar levels for energy. When we eat food and absorb food, glucose levels rise, and insulin is released.
Some people cannot make insulin; those people have type 1 diabetes, a person having type 2 diabetes can make insulin, but the body does not respond well to insulin, they are known to have insulin release. For controlling type 2 diabetes, your doctor will prescribe Trajenta 5mg.
While lifestyle changes can help to reduce the effects of diabetes, many people with the condition are required to consume medications to lower blood glucose and enhance the body’s production of and insulin sensitivity.
One of the most commonly prescribed diabetes medicine is Acarbose 50mg, but the doctor prescribes certain other medications. These includes:
- Biguanides
This group of medications contains metformin, which is a common diabetes medicine. It instructs the liver to create less glucose and increase insulin sensitivity in the muscles.
- Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors
It prevents the starch from breaking down, which helps in lowering blood glucose. People should take this type of medication alongside the first bite of the meal. Linagliptin (Trajenta 5mg) and miglitol are common medications from alpha-glucosidase for diabetes patients.
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Dopamine-2 agonists
These help in reducing blood glucose after a meal
- Meglitinides
This medicine group works by stimulating the beta cells in the pancreas to release insulin. Nateglinide and repaglinide are from this medicine group currently accessible.
- Sulfonylureas
These cause a more significant release of insulin from the beta cells. It is an older medication class, and the only first-generation sulfonylurea that is still in use today is chlorpropamide. Glipizide is the newer medicines that cause minor side effects
- Thiazolidinediones
It works by improving the insulin function in muscles and fat and reducing glucose production in the liver. The medicines from this medication class are pioglitazone and rosiglitazone.
- SGLT2 Inhibitors
These inhibitors block the actions of a protein known as SGLT2 that reabsorbs glucose into the kidneys. This, in turn, stimulates your body to release the glucose in the urine, reducing levels in the blood.
- Bile acid sequestrants
Colesevelam is a BAS that decreases harmful cholesterol and blood sugar. These medications do not enter the bloodstream, so people with liver problems can use this medication safely.
How to control diabetes?
High glucose levels happen when the body does not make sufficient or use insulin effectively; it regulates blood glucose and helps it enter your cells for energy. There are several methods to control blood sugar. Such as:
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Exercise
Regular exercise will help you get to and maintain a moderate weight and increase insulin sensitivity. Increased insulin sensitivity means that your cells will be able to use the available sugar in the bloodstream. Exercise also helps the muscles use blood sugar for energy and muscle contraction.
If you are experiencing problems with blood sugar management, you should regularly check your levels. It will help you learn how you respond to different activities and keep the blood sugar from going too high or too low.
Beneficial exercises include weightlifting, running, biking, dancing, swimming, etc.
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Increase fiber intake
Fiber slows carb digestion and sugar absorption. For these reasons, it enhances a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels. Furthermore, the type of fiber you consume also plays a role.
There are two types of fiber:
- Soluble
- Insoluble
While both are important in their respective way, soluble fiber has explicitly been shown to improve blood sugar management. Additionally, a high fiber diet can help to manage type 1 diabetes by enhancing the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.
Certain foods are high in fiber, including:
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Get enough sleep
Sufficient sleep is vital for excellent health, and you will always feel fresh. Bad sleeping habits and a lack of rest can also affect blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. They can promote weight gain and increase appetite. Sleep deprivation reduces the release of growth hormones and increases cortisol levels. Both of these are essential for blood sugar management.
Furthermore, an adequate amount of sleep is about both quality and quantity. It is excellent to get a sufficient amount of high-quality sleep every night.
What are the mental and physical health benefits of exercise?
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Consume apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has various beneficial effects on the body. It promotes lower fasting blood sugar levels, decreasing its production through the liver or increasing its use by cells.
Conclusion
According to a study, vinegar significantly influences the body’s response to sugars and can help improve insulin sensitivity. Mix it in water to drink before a high-carb meal, or mix it in a salad. Before trying apple cider vinegar, it is best to counsel the doctor if you are taking medications that lower your blood sugar level.
