Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms to know what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens 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 assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies cannot use it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels can become too high over time. This can cause problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also cause damage to coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or even years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnicities age, genders, and ages. Women are more susceptible than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is a higher thirst and increased urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four 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 due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are good choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also want to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks usually contain a lot of sugar that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled by one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will help you choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.