Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the onset of the disease. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms so you can tell what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or isn’t able to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels can become too high over time. This can cause problems with your feet, eyes, and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This process can last for several 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 also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activity levels to keep their blood sugar levels within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it is used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and follow a healthy diet. They might also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races as well as ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in your blood and the kidneys aren’t able get rid of it in a proper manner.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
In the case of diabetes, cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters daily.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products as well as legumes, beans and beans are great choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also be able to reduce the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are usually packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, like physical activity and diet, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will work with you to choose the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.