Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can all help in preventing or delaying the development of the disease. It is also essential to recognize the signs so you can determine whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels are excessively high over time. This can cause problems with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or even years, eventually resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to maintain their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, 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 so that it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of 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 diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and the kidneys aren’t able get rid of it correctly.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as four liters daily.
Men may also lose weight since their bodies make use of muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is an important part of managing your condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products such as beans, legumes, and beans are great choices. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might want to limit your intake of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain plenty of sugar and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to determine the most appropriate medication for your needs and preferences.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the risk of developing complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.