Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease which affects millions of people every year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also important to be aware of the signs, so you can determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies are unable to use it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also cause damage to blood vessels in your heart as well as the 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. This destruction can occur over months or even for years, eventually resulting in an absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar levels within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races and ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to remove it.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
In the case of diabetes, cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters per day.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also need to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are often packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed by one medication it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will work with you to choose the best medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and come in both tablets and injections.