Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the progression of the disease. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies cannot use it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also cause damage to your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can happen over months or even for years before resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is required by those who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also have to keep track of 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 suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take 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 by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are more at risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
One early warning sign of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t able to remove it in a proper manner.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
In diabetes the cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar, manage your weight, and lower the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might consider limiting your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are usually packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will help you choose the best medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of developing complications. They also help with weight loss, and they come in both tablets and injections.