Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart 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. This process can last for many months or even years, eventually resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food 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 using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also need to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races and ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and the kidneys aren’t able eliminate it effectively.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This causes elevated 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 have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to 4 liters a day.
Men may 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 prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, reduce your weight and the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole food items, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might also need to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are typically high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and exercise to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to pick the best medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the chance of developing complications. They also help with weight loss, and they are available in tablets and injections.