Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is also crucial to understand the symptoms so you can determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body turns food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or isn’t able to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. This destruction can occur over several months or even years and eventually lead to an absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose 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 isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at a higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood, and your kidneys aren’t equipped to filter it out correctly.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help regulate blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, such as fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks often have lots of sugar and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will work with you to choose the most appropriate medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the chance of developing complications. They also help with weight loss, and come in both tablet and injection forms.