Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use it correctly.
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 may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. This destruction can occur over several months or even years, eventually resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnicities as well as ages and genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and your kidneys aren’t able to filter it out properly.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
In diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty and require to drink a lot of fluids.
Men may also shed weight as their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is because blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. 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, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products such as beans, legumes, and beans are good choices. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor can help you determine the most appropriate medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.