Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also crucial to understand the symptoms to determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can take place over several years or even decades before eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and your kidneys aren’t equipped to eliminate it correctly.
The signs of diabetes in men
In diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually due to the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods like fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar in them which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are often combined with changes in lifestyle, like eating habits and physical activity to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and they are available in tablets and injections.