Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also cause damage to the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can take place over many months or even years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood and the kidneys aren’t able get rid of it properly.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are a good choice. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain a lot of sugar in them, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled on one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will work with you to determine the most appropriate medicine for your requirements and preferences.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.