Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms to determine what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to problems with 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 condition which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This destruction can happen over months or years, eventually leading to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also need to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty and require to drink lots of fluids.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, such as fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are typically high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with changes in lifestyle, like physical activity and diet, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled on one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will work with you to choose the best medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of developing complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.