Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also important to be aware of the signs, to determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become excessively high over time. This can cause problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also cause damage to coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The destruction can take place over many months or even years, eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust 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 the body does not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, like heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to remove it correctly.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, including fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled on one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will assist you to determine the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, like 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 decreasing the chance of developing complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.