Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help prevent or delay the development of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high in time. This can lead to problems with your eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or even years before eventually resulting in the total absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin each day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood, and your kidneys cannot eliminate it.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
In diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four liters a day.
Men may also shed weight as their bodies use muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are great choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks often have lots of sugar, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are usually combined with changes in lifestyle, like eating habits and physical activity to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will help you choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and are available in tablets and injections.