Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or use the insulin that it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can all help in preventing or delaying the progression of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the signs, so you can tell if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies are unable to use it effectively.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high over time. This can cause problems with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It could also cause damage to coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This process can last for several months or even years before resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are at greater risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to suffer from 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 cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and kidneys can’t eliminate it.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty, and they have to drink a lot of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole food items, including fruits vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also need to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are typically packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as exercising and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to select the best medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.