Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It is also crucial to be aware of the signs, to determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
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 several months or even years until it leads to the absence of insulin completely.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of diabetes in women is increased thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood and the kidneys aren’t able get rid of it in a proper manner.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. The body tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters per day.
Men may also lose weight as their bodies utilize muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is because blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, including fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar in them and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, like physical activity and diet, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed on one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor can help you determine the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the chance of developing complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.