Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the disease. It is important to be aware of the signs, so you can tell whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels get too high over time. This can lead to problems with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or even for years until it leads to the absence of insulin completely.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, including heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and kidneys can’t eliminate it.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can also shed weight as their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are excellent choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also need to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are often packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled on one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to pick the best medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the chance of developing complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.