Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the onset of the disease. It is important to recognize the signs so you can identify whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels become excessively high over time. This can lead to problems in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It can also cause damage to your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for many years or months, eventually leading to a total lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activity levels to keep their blood sugar in an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races and ethnicities as well as ages and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to eliminate it properly.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes, cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty and require to drink lots of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, like 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 (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks are typically packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes, such as exercising and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to pick the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the chance of developing complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.