Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It occurs 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 treatable and treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to know the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This process can last for months or even years until it leads to an absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a healthy diet. They also may need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot remove it.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
Men also may lose weight because their bodies rely on muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are good choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may want to limit your intake of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as physical activity and diet, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to determine the most appropriate medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and come in both tablet and injection forms.