Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease which affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also crucial to be aware of the signs, so you can determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It can also damage the coronary 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. The destruction can take place over several years or even decades, eventually leading to the total absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to eliminate it correctly.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is typically because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may also lose weight as their bodies make use of muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are excellent choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks usually contain a lot of sugar in them and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These drugs are often paired with changes in lifestyle, like diet and physical activity, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled on one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will assist you to determine the most appropriate medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the chance of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.