Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body fails to make enough insulin or use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms to determine what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can cause problems with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This process can take several years or even decades and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They also may need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
In diabetes, cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
The men may also shed weight as their bodies use muscle for energy rather than fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, such as physical activity and diet, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed on one medication it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor can help you pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.