Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body fails to make enough insulin or use the insulin that it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and avoided 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 health issue (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also harm your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. This process can take several years or even decades, eventually leading to a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of women suffering from diabetes is a rise in thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually due to the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men can also lose weight as their bodies use muscle for energy rather than fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, control your weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should consist of plenty 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 might need to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are often packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will guide you to choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.