Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help to prevent or delay the development of the disease. It is important to be aware of the signs, to determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or fails to use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can lead to problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It could also cause damage to 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 the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The destruction can take place over months or years, eventually leading to a total lack of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to maintain their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that 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 have to exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They might also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty and require to drink a lot of fluids.
Men also may lose weight as their bodies utilize muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and physical activity to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will guide you to pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the chance of developing complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.