Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body does not produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it has effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the onset of the disease. It is important to be aware of the signs, so you can identify whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also damage 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 the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for many years or months and eventually lead to a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to maintain their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One early warning sign of women suffering from diabetes is increased thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
In diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they have to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss because their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole food items, including fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also want to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are often high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are usually combined with changes in lifestyle, like eating habits and physical activity to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will guide you to select the right medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and they come in both tablet and injection forms.