Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to recognize the signs so you can identify whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause problems with your feet, eyes, and kidneys. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. The destruction can happen over months or even years, eventually resulting in an absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar levels within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of diabetes in women is increased thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood, and your kidneys aren’t equipped to filter it out effectively.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled on one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to select the most appropriate medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the chance of developing complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.