Diabetes – What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions each year. It happens because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it has effectively.

The good news is that it can be cured and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is important to know the symptoms, so you can tell whether there is a problem and seek treatment.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it properly.

Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it work properly.

The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also damage your brain and heart arteries.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This destruction can occur over several months or even years, eventually resulting in a complete lack of insulin.

People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar in the healthy range.

Type 2 diabetes

If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it can be used as energy.

Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.

The signs of diabetes in women

Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races and ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. However women are at greater risk than men.

Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.

One of the first signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and your kidneys aren’t equipped to remove it correctly.

Men who suffer from diabetes show signs

In the case of diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.

This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.

People suffering from diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to 4 liters a day.

Men may also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of 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 you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower the risk of developing heart disease.

Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).

You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain a lot of sugar and can cause high blood sugar levels.

Diabetes medication

Your doctor may recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as diet and physical activity, to manage the condition.

If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor can help you determine the most appropriate medicine for your preferences and needs.

Newer medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss and are available in tablets and injections.

 

Diabetes – What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions each year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.

The good news is that it is curable and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is important to be aware of the signs, so you can identify whether you have a problem and seek treatment.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic illness (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 helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or cannot use it effectively.

In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high in time. This can cause issues with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It may also damage your brain and heart arteries.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction can happen over many months or even years until it leads to an absence of insulin.

Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.

Type 2 diabetes

If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not utilize insulin in the way 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 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.

Symptoms of diabetes in women

It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than males.

Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.

One of the first signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in your blood and the kidneys aren’t able remove it in a proper manner.

Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms

Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.

This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.

People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters a day.

Men may also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are elevated for long periods.

Diabetes diet

Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and the risk of developing heart disease.

Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).

You may need to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.

Diabetes medications

Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.

If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medicine, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best medication for your needs and preferences.

Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.