Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or fails to use it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. This process can last for many months or even years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
In diabetes the cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as four liters daily.
Men can also lose weight as their bodies make use of muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and heart disease risk factors.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are a good choice. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are typically packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like eating habits and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to pick the best medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.