Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or when it’s not able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is important to recognize the signs so you can identify whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or fails to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or aren’t able to utilize it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can lead to problems with your feet, eyes, and kidneys. It may also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades before eventually resulting in the total absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood 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 medication to control their blood glucose levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood, and your kidneys cannot remove it.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four liters daily.
Men may also lose weight because their bodies rely on muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
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 need to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor can help you pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablets and injections.