Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help to prevent or delay the development of the disease. It is also important to know the symptoms, so you can determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or are unable to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. This process can last for months or even years and eventually lead to the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the levels of insulin, food 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 utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your blood and your kidneys are not able to remove it.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. The body tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters per day.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are typically high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise 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 assist you choose the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and 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 complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.