Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels are too high over time. This can cause issues in 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 insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This process can last for months or even years, eventually resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to maintain their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually due to the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks usually contain a lot of sugar and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor can help you pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and they are available in tablets and injections.