Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease which affects millions of people every year. It happens when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when it isn’t able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help to prevent or delay the disease. It is important to be aware of the signs, to determine whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to use it effectively.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels are too high in time. This can cause issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also cause damage to coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or even years, eventually resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to maintain their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t use insulin the way 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 used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races, ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are more at risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of women with diabetes is increased thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t equipped to filter it out in a proper manner.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and they need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men may also shed weight as their bodies use muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, such as fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are typically packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and exercise to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will help you determine the most appropriate medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, offer 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.