Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it’s not able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the signs, so you can identify whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over several years or even decades before eventually resulting in a total lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar in the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be used as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
One of the early warning signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys aren’t able to eliminate it in a proper manner.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as 4 liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are a good choice. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may want to limit your intake of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are typically combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as physical activity and diet, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor can help you determine the most appropriate medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.