Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or when it can’t use the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can all help in preventing or delaying the onset of the disease. 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 problem (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies don’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 your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It could also harm your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This process can last for months or even for years until it leads to the complete absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose 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 hormonal substance that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also have to take medications to control their blood glucose levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
In diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they have to drink lots of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, such as 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 also be able to reduce the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar in them and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medicine, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you select the right medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.