Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also crucial to be aware of the signs, so you can tell whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades and eventually lead to an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is required by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar in an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t able to filter it out correctly.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually due to the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters per day.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, such as fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will help you pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and they are available in tablets and injections.