Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can all help in preventing or delaying the disease. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms to know if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also damage 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 pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. This destruction can occur over many months or even years until it leads to the absence of insulin completely.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes 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 levels within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races and ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is increased thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your blood and your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss because their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products such as beans, legumes, and beans are a good choice. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled by one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor can help you determine the most appropriate medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the chance of developing complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.