Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It occurs because the body doesn’t make enough insulin or use the insulin that it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help to prevent or delay the development of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get excessively high over time. This can cause problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for many years or months until it eventually leads to a total lack of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it is utilized to generate energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They also may need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races as well as ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually due to the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters per day.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as 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
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might want to limit your intake of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor can help you select the right medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.