Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions each year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also crucial to know the symptoms, so you can identify whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also cause damage to the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This destruction can happen over months or years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it is used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are more at risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of women suffering from diabetes is increased thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and kidneys can’t filter it out.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men also may lose weight because their bodies rely on muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods like fruits whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may want to limit your intake of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.