Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is also important to be aware of the signs, so you can identify whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels increase as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also harm 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 the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for many years or months before eventually resulting in a total lack of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races, ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. However, women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
One early warning sign of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t able to filter it out correctly.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and need to drink lots of fluids.
Men can also lose weight because their bodies make use of muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, manage your weight, and lower heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, such as fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to choose the most appropriate medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.