Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms to know what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become excessively high over time. This can cause problems with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for many years or months, eventually leading to the complete absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then used as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of diabetes in women is increased thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
Men can also lose weight as their bodies utilize muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods like fruits, whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may consider limiting your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled on one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.