Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the development of the disease. It is also crucial to be aware of the signs, to determine whether you have a problem and seek 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 the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or aren’t able to utilize it effectively.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels are too high in time. This can cause issues in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It may also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar levels within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They also may need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t eliminate it.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically high in 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 combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to pick the most appropriate medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and come in both tablet and injection forms.