Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is important to recognize the signs to determine whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or their bodies cannot use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause problems with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It could also cause damage to blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This destruction can occur over several months or even years before resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes every day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used as energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medications to control their blood glucose levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more susceptible than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to remove it properly.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually due to the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, control your weight, and reduce heart disease risk factors.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are excellent choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks usually contain plenty of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled on one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will help you pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.