Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or when it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms to determine the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or fails to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or aren’t able to utilize it effectively.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage 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 in the pancreas. This destruction can occur over many months or even years and eventually lead to an absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar in an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races as well as ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. However, women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of diabetes in women is increased thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t able to eliminate it in a proper manner.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart diseases.
You should include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are a good choice. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are often packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will guide you to pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.