Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms so you can tell the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems with your eyes, feet and kidneys. It may also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your 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. This destruction can happen over several years or even decades before eventually resulting in the total absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they have to drink lots of fluids.
Men can also lose weight because their bodies rely on muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, including fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also want to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are usually packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to select the best medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.