Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body fails to produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It is also important to be aware of the signs, so you can tell if 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 happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or fails to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels are too high over time. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The destruction can take place over months or even for years, eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make use of insulin as it should. 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 for energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are more at risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and kidneys can’t remove it.
The signs of diabetes in men
In diabetes it is when cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters per day.
Men may also lose weight since their bodies rely on muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are good choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks usually contain plenty of sugar in them and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, like eating habits and physical activity to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled on one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will assist you choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the chance of developing complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.