Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms to determine what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or fails to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become excessively high over time. This can lead to issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or years, eventually leading to an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They might also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnicities age, genders, and ages. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is increased thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters a day.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are 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 control blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, such as fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain lots of sugar and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are usually combined with changes in lifestyle, like diet and physical activity, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed on one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will help you determine the most appropriate medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of developing complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and they are available in tablets and injections.