Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the progression of the disease. It is also crucial to recognize the signs so you can tell whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels get too high over time. This can cause problems with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The destruction can happen over months or even years before resulting in an absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. 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.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They also may need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women with diabetes is increased thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to get rid of it properly.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when 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 elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty, and they have to drink a lot of fluids.
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 remain high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods like fruits vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may be advised to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to determine the most appropriate medication for your specific needs and preferences.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.