Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It happens because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help to prevent or delay the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the signs, so you can determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or fails to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over many months or even years and eventually lead to a complete lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to maintain their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They might also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
One of the early signs of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able remove it correctly.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may also lose weight since their bodies utilize muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
You should include whole food items in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar in them and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled by one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to choose the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.