Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help prevent or delay the disease. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to determine the signs of a problem and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that alters how 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 to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies are unable to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease 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 the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and follow a healthy diet. They also may need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to filter it out effectively.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In the case of diabetes, cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters per day.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce heart disease risk factors.
You should include whole food items in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are great choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might need to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks often have plenty of sugar and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These drugs are often paired with changes to your lifestyle, such as exercise and diet to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.