Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to recognize the signs so you can determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels are excessively high over time. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also damage your brain and heart arteries.
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. The destruction can take place over months or years before eventually resulting in the total absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it is used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage 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 illness that affects people of all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of women suffering from diabetes 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 your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, manage your weight, and lower heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole food items, including fruits vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also want to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar that can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will assist you determine the most appropriate medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.