Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when the body is unable to make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of the signs, so you can determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or are unable to use it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. This destruction can happen over months or even years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to regulate 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 greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in your blood and the kidneys aren’t able eliminate it effectively.
The signs of diabetes in men
In diabetes it is when cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. The body tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters daily.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower the risk of developing heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are good choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might want to limit your intake of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are usually packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will help you pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar and offer 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 tablet and injectable forms.