Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell 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 the pancreas stops making enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get excessively high over time. This can lead to problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or years and eventually lead to an inability to produce insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to maintain their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races as well as ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your blood and kidneys can’t remove it.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
In diabetes the cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters per day.
Men may also shed weight as their bodies rely on muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
You should include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are good choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks often have plenty of sugar in them, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will work with you to select the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like 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 useful for weight loss and come in both tablets and injections.