Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body is unable to make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is important to be aware of the signs, so you can determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use it effectively.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high in time. This can cause problems with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It could also cause damage to arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over many years or months and eventually lead to the total absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar levels within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a healthy diet. They might also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnicities as well as ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, including heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood, and your kidneys aren’t equipped to get rid of it effectively.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they need to drink a lot of fluids.
The men may also lose weight because their bodies use muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for long 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 manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole food items, including fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks usually contain a lot of sugar in them and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you determine the most appropriate medicine for your preferences and needs.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of developing complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.