Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It happens when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops making enough insulin, or fails to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, 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, eventually leading to the total absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable 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 to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more at risk than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to remove it properly.
The signs of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters a day.
The men may also lose weight because their bodies use muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for prolonged 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, manage your weight, and lower the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, such as 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) fats and added sugars.
You might need to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are usually combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as eating habits and physical activity to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled by one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will assist you to pick the most appropriate medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.