Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body fails to make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms to know what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or their bodies cannot 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 can also cause damage to your heart arteries 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 process can take several years or even decades before eventually resulting in an inability to produce insulin.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin each day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races as well as ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood, and your kidneys cannot remove it.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty and require to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are good choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may want to limit your intake of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain a lot of sugar, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as exercising and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor can help you select the right medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and come in both tablet and injection forms.