Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help to prevent or delay the disease. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also harm the arteries 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. This process can take many years or months, eventually leading to an inability to produce insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They also may need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t remove it.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as 4 liters a day.
The men may also lose weight because their bodies utilize muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods like fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also be able to reduce the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks often have a lot of sugar, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, like diet and physical activity, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled on one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will assist you to select the best medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.