Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people every year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it has effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the progression of the disease. It is also important to be aware of the signs, to determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for months or even years before eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not make use of insulin as it should. 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 to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood, and the kidneys aren’t able remove it properly.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, control your weight, and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like eating habits and exercise to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will work with you to select the best medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.