Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions each year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or isn’t able to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This process can take months or years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar levels within the normal 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 helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it is used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also 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 ethnicities age, genders, and ages. Women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
Diabetes in men: 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 excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters daily.
Men may also experience weight loss because their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, including fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may be advised to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain lots of sugar that can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet to manage the condition.
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 choose the most appropriate medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.