Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or aren’t able to utilize it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also cause damage to the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades and eventually lead to a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps 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 adhere to a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to filter it out.
The signs of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they have to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels remain elevated 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 regulate blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are great choices. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may consider limiting your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor can help you pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and are available in tablets and injections.