Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also crucial to recognize the signs so you can tell if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that helps 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 types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can lead to issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This destruction can happen over months or even years until it eventually leads to the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are more at risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in your blood and the kidneys aren’t able filter it out in a proper manner.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
You should include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are excellent choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks often have a lot of sugar which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor can help you select the right medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and they come in both tablet and injection forms.