Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body does not make enough insulin or use the insulin that it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms to determine the signs of a problem and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it work properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get excessively high over time. This can cause problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also cause damage to the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or even years, eventually leading to the complete absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it is used as energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise. They also may need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnicities as well as ages and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One early warning sign of diabetes in women is increased thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood, and your kidneys aren’t equipped to remove it properly.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they have to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can also shed weight as their bodies make use of muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might want to limit your intake of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar in them and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will guide you to determine the most appropriate medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.