Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it effectively.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get excessively high over time. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This destruction can occur over months or even years before resulting in an absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not make 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 as energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a balanced diet. They also may need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more at risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One of the early signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t eliminate it.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In diabetes, cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, like diet and physical activity, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will help you determine the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as 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 injectable and tablet forms.