Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It happens when your body doesn’t produce 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 disease. It is also essential to be aware of the signs, so you can identify if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it properly.
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 don’t make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It could also cause damage to 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 the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for months or even years and eventually lead to a total lack of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They also may need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to remove it in a proper manner.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters daily.
The men may also shed weight as their bodies make use of muscle for energy rather than fat. This is because blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products such as beans, legumes, and beans are great choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may also want to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks usually contain lots of sugar, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and exercise to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled on one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to select the best medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and come in both tablets and injections.