Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the progression of the disease. It is also crucial to understand the symptoms so you can identify if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or isn’t able to use it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to use it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels are too high in time. This can cause issues in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This destruction can happen over months or even years until it eventually leads to the total absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medications to control their blood glucose levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood, and the kidneys aren’t able get rid of it in a proper manner.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually due to the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can also lose weight since their bodies utilize muscles for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are usually packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor can help you determine the most appropriate medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and come in both tablets and injections.