Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is important to recognize the signs so you can identify whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high over time. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It could also cause damage to blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over several months or even years until it leads to a complete lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They also may need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races, ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. However women are at a higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and your kidneys are not able to remove it.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This usually happens because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may also shed weight as their bodies utilize muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is because 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, manage your weight, and lower risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods like fruits whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to choose the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.