Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions each year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or when it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms to know what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can cause problems with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also cause damage to coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. The destruction can take place over months or years and eventually lead to an inability to produce insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it is utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races and ethnicities as well as ages and genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood, and the kidneys aren’t able remove it correctly.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss because their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are good choices. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might also be able to reduce the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are usually high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled on one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor can help you choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.