Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help to prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to determine the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or fails to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it in a proper way.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high over time. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also harm the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over many years or months before eventually resulting in a total lack of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used for energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They also may need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to remove it.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters a day.
Men can also shed weight as their bodies use muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are great choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks often have high levels of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to choose the most appropriate medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.