Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It is also important to know the symptoms, to determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for months or even years, eventually leading to an inability to produce insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not use insulin the way 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 as energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a healthy diet. They also may need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they have to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, manage your weight and reduce heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole food items, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might also want to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar in them which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in the normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might need to add a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to determine the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and they come in both tablet and injection forms.