Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people each year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also important to recognize the signs to determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or fails to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or aren’t able to use it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels get excessively high over time. This can lead to problems with your eyes, feet and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or years, eventually leading to the total absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it is used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races and ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. Women are more at risk than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to filter it out.
The signs of diabetes in men
In diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty and require to drink plenty of fluids.
The 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 extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important part of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are great choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with changes in lifestyle, like eating habits and physical activity to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to choose the best medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.