Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also important to understand the symptoms so you can tell whether you are suffering from a condition 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 happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the 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 condition in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades, eventually leading to an inability to produce insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to maintain their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then utilized to generate energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They might also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of women suffering from diabetes is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys aren’t able to remove it properly.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as 4 liters a day.
Men also may lose weight as their bodies utilize muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are good choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might want to limit your intake of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as diet and physical activity, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to select the best medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.