Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot utilize the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can cause issues in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or even years, eventually leading to an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. Women are at greater risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is a rise in thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys aren’t able to get rid of it effectively.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty and require to drink lots of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole food items, including fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks usually contain plenty of sugar, which can lead to 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 eating habits and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled by one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will assist you to select the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of developing complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.