Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of the signs, to determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also cause damage to blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This process can last for several months or even years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar in the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able remove it in a proper manner.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and they have to drink lots of fluids.
Men also may lose weight as their bodies utilize muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products such as beans, legumes, and beans are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are often high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled on one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will guide you to choose the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.