Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help prevent or delay the disease. It is important to recognize the signs so you can determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies cannot use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also cause damage to the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or years until it eventually leads to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races, ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and vision loss.
One of the early warning signs of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss because their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as exercising and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor can help you determine the most appropriate medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.