Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It happens because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also important to be aware of the signs, to determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also cause damage to the heart and brain arteries as well as your 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 destruction can take place over months or years until it eventually leads to an inability to produce insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar levels 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 for energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races and ethnicities as well as ages and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your blood and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to utilize 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 then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they have to drink lots of fluids.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, such as fruits whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may be advised to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed on one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will help you choose the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.