Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential 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 alters the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or are unable to use it effectively.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become excessively high over time. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also harm the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. This process can last for months or even for years, eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races as well as ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. Women are more at risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to remove it in a proper manner.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters daily.
The men may also lose weight as their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are a good choice. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are usually combined with changes in lifestyle, like physical activity and diet, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled by one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will work with you to select the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the chance of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss, and are available in tablets and injections.