Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to recognize the signs so you can determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for many years or months until it eventually leads to the total absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes through a healthy diet and exercise. They also may need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races and ethnicities age, genders, and ages. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to remove it.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
In 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 result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and they have to drink lots of fluids.
Men may also lose weight because their bodies utilize muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are great choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks usually contain lots of sugar, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These drugs are often paired with changes to your lifestyle, such as eating habits and physical activity to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled by one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor can help you determine the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.