Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the disease. It is also important 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 impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or their bodies cannot use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become excessively high over time. This can lead to problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This destruction can occur over months or even years, eventually resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not utilize insulin in the way 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 for energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a healthy diet. They also may need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t eliminate it.
The signs of diabetes in men
In diabetes the cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters a day.
Men also may lose weight because their bodies rely on muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
You should include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products such as beans, legumes, and beans are great choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain a lot of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
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 like eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will guide you to choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.