Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help to prevent or delay the disease. It is also important to recognize the signs to determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause issues with your eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also damage the 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 several years or even decades until it eventually leads to an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to regulate their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys aren’t able to remove it correctly.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and they need to drink lots of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, manage your weight, and lower risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods like fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may want to limit your intake of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercising and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to choose the best medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.