Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body fails to make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help prevent or delay the development of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms to determine the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also harm your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This process can last for several months or even years, eventually resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, like heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and kidneys can’t filter it out.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty, and they have to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss because their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet 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.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, including fruits vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also want to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar in them and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you choose the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and are available in tablets and injections.