Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body fails to produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also important to recognize the signs so you can determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or fails to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or cannot use it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also cause damage to 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 the pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This process can last for many months or even years, eventually resulting in an absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnicities, ages, and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t equipped to eliminate it properly.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to 4 liters a day.
Men may also lose weight because their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products as well as legumes, beans and beans are a good choice. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also be able to reduce the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks often have a lot of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to pick the most appropriate medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.