Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize 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 symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause issues with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This process can take months or years before eventually resulting in a total lack of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not making the insulin it needs to. 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 with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They might also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races and ethnicities and ages as well as genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower the levels 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, as much as four liters daily.
Men can also experience weight loss as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, including fruits whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also want to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks are typically high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will help you determine the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and come in both tablet and injection forms.