Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease which affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body is unable to make enough insulin or use the insulin that it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps 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 make it work properly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels get excessively high over time. This can lead to problems with the eyes, feet 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 an autoimmune disorder and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over many years or months before eventually resulting in the total absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes all day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activity levels to keep their blood sugar in the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and your kidneys are not able to remove it.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is typically because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men can also shed weight as their bodies use muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, such as 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) fat and added sugars.
You might need to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar in them and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as 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 injectable and tablet forms.