Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is important to be aware of 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 affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to 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 make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. This destruction can happen over several years or even decades and eventually lead to an inability to produce insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and your kidneys are not able to remove it.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty and require to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels are elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, including fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may also want to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks often have high levels of sugar in them and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medication, you might need to add a second medication. Your doctor will guide you to determine the most appropriate medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.