Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to know the symptoms, to determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can happen over months or even for years, eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races and ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and kidneys can’t eliminate it.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters a day.
The men may also lose weight since their bodies use muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are typically packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are usually combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as physical activity and diet, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor can help you choose the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.