Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It is also crucial to understand the symptoms so you can determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it correctly.
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 are unable to use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to problems with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It could also cause damage to blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can happen over months or even for years, eventually resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used as energy.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races and ethnicities as well as ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to remove it.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually due to the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they have to drink lots of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss because their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a key element in managing your condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are great choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar in them, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as exercising and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled by one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications 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’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.