Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the onset of the disease. It is important to be aware of the signs, so you can tell whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or aren’t able to utilize it effectively.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can happen over months or even for years, eventually resulting in an absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes every 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 a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also have to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and your kidneys aren’t able to get rid of it effectively.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
In diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty, and need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men may also lose weight as their bodies utilize muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might be advised to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar that can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and physical activity to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.