Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies are unable to use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also harm your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can take place over several years or even decades before eventually resulting in an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They also must monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable 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 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.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races as well as ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, like heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to remove it properly.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, manage your weight, and lower heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole food items, including fruits vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might be advised to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, 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 will work with you to pick the best medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.