Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when the body fails to produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is important to be aware of the signs, so you can identify whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels are excessively high over time. This can cause issues with the 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 caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. This destruction can occur over months or even years before resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported 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 blood and kidneys can’t eliminate it.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as four liters daily.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels stay high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, reduce your weight and heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar in them and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and they come in both tablets and injections.