Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body fails to produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to determine whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it effectively.
The blood sugar levels increase as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or years before eventually resulting in a total lack of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of women with diabetes is increased thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood, and your kidneys cannot eliminate it.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods like fruits vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may consider limiting your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss and come in both tablets and injections.