Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It is caused when the body fails to produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is also crucial to be aware of the signs, so you can identify if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or are unable to use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It can also damage your brain and heart arteries.
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 take place over several months or even years before resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also have to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood and the kidneys aren’t able get rid of it in a proper manner.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
In diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
The men may also lose weight since their bodies utilize muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce heart disease risk factors.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are good choices. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might consider limiting your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar in them that can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as physical activity and diet, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist 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 receptor, reduce blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of developing complications. They are also useful for weight loss and come in both tablet and injection forms.