Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It is also crucial to know the symptoms, so you can identify whether you have 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 isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or aren’t able to use it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can lead to problems with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also harm the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or even years before eventually resulting in a total lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, like heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood, and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to filter it out properly.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces 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 typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters daily.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and risk factors for heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are excellent choices. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might need to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain plenty of sugar in them, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled by one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to pick the most appropriate medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and they are available in tablets and injections.