Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body fails to produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms to determine the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to problems with your feet, eyes, and kidneys. It can also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. The destruction can take place over months or even years and eventually lead to the total absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at a higher risk 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 vision loss.
One early warning sign of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
In diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four liters a day.
Men can also lose weight because their bodies utilize muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods like fruits vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might need to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will guide you to pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.