Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or when it can’t use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or fails to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t utilize it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels are too high in time. This can cause problems with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also cause damage to the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This process can last for months or even for years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which 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 eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually due to the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently experience thirst and require 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 the blood sugar level stays high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled on one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will assist you to pick the most appropriate medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower 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.