Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or when it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms so you can tell what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which 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 well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart and 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. The process of destruction can last for many years or months, eventually leading to the complete absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be utilized to generate energy.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races as well as ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t eliminate it.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters per day.
Men may also shed weight as their bodies use muscles for 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 healthy diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are good choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to select the most appropriate medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and they are available in tablets and injections.