Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot make use of 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 important to be aware of symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or fails to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels get excessively high over time. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also harm the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for many years or months before eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and vision loss.
One of the early signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t remove it.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In diabetes the cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters daily.
Men may also lose weight because their bodies rely on muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is because blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products as well as legumes, beans and beans are excellent choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also want to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are usually packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, like physical activity and diet, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will guide you to determine the most appropriate medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.