Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also cause damage to the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They also may need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnicities as well as ages and genders. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
One of the first signs of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and your kidneys aren’t able to get rid of it correctly.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may 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 their blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are good choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will help you determine the most appropriate medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.