Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the development of the disease. It is also important to understand the symptoms so you can identify whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies cannot use it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This process can last for several months or even years and eventually lead to the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as four liters daily.
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 levels remain high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods like fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar in them which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to choose the best medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.