Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when the body does not make enough insulin or use the insulin that it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to recognize the signs so you can tell whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it effectively.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels are too high in time. This can lead to problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also harm the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or years, eventually leading to an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to maintain their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also have to take medications to manage 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 at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your blood, and your kidneys cannot remove it.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as four liters per day.
Men can also experience weight loss because their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels remain high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole food items, including fruits vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may want to limit your intake of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain a lot of sugar, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are usually combined with changes in lifestyle, like physical activity and diet, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to select the best medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.