Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can aid in preventing or reducing the development of the disease. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also harm the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. The destruction can take place over many years or months, eventually leading to the total absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not use insulin the way it 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.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also need to take medications to control their blood glucose levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more susceptible than males.
Women with diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels remain high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks often have high levels of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These drugs are often paired with changes to your lifestyle, such as exercise and diet to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled on one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will help you choose the best medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the chance of developing complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.