Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to understand the symptoms so you can tell whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over many years or months before eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which 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 eat a balanced diet. They may also need to take medications to control their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races as well as ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t filter it out.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as four liters per day.
Men can also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar, manage your weight and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, such as fruits vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These drugs are often paired with changes in lifestyle, like diet and physical activity, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor can help you pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.