Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It is important to recognize the signs so you can determine whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or cannot use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become excessively high over time. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also damage the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over many months or even years and eventually lead to an absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood and the kidneys aren’t able filter it out effectively.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. The body tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty, and they have to drink lots of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
You should include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products such as beans, legumes, and beans are excellent choices. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to pick the most appropriate medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.