Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease which affects millions of people every year. It happens because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms to determine whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies are unable to use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also damage the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This process can last for many months or even years before resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to maintain their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells take 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 must treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, including heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of women with diabetes is increased thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and your kidneys aren’t equipped to get rid of it effectively.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters per day.
Men may also experience weight loss as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, reduce your weight and the risk of developing heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products as well as legumes, beans and beans are good choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks are often high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to select the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and come in both tablets and injections.