Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or fails to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels are too high in time. This can cause problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can happen over months or even for years and eventually lead to the absence of insulin completely.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They might also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races and ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and kidneys are unable to remove it.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually due to the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as 4 liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may want to limit your intake of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are usually high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes such as exercising and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled on one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the chance of developing complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.