Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body does not make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or fails to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies are unable to use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also harm your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can happen over many months or even years, eventually resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also must monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within the healthy 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 hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women suffering from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to remove it effectively.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
In diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to 4 liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle for 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 manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods like fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may consider limiting your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar in them which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, like physical activity and diet, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will work with you to select the best medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.