Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms to determine what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or aren’t able to utilize it effectively.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. 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 pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for months or even years before eventually resulting in the total absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races and ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are more susceptible than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot remove it.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters daily.
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 extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help regulate blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may be advised to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks often have lots of sugar in them, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes like eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled on one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.