Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease which affects millions of people every year. It happens when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It is also crucial to understand the symptoms so you can identify whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause issues with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This process can take several years or even decades before eventually resulting in the total absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races, ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are more susceptible than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, like heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood and the kidneys aren’t able filter it out in a proper manner.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and need to drink a lot 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 their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced 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 the risk factors for heart diseases.
You should include whole food items in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are good choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also need to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are often packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will help 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 and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.