Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body fails to make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or isn’t able to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also cause damage to the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can happen over many months or even years and eventually lead to the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is a requirement for people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
One of the early 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 your blood and the kidneys aren’t able remove it effectively.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are good choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled on one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will help you determine the most appropriate medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and come in both tablets and injections.