Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the progression of the disease. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms to know what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to problems with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. This destruction can occur over months or even for years before resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin each day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is increased thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. The body tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar in them, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to choose the most appropriate medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.