Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms to know the signs of a problem and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies cannot use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also damage your brain and heart arteries.
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. The destruction can happen over several months or even years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it is utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and eat a healthy diet. They might also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races and ethnicities as well as ages and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, including heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
In diabetes it is when cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters daily.
Men may also lose weight because their bodies use muscle for energy rather than fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help regulate blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products such as beans, legumes, and beans are excellent choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are usually combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as diet and physical activity, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled on one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to select the most appropriate medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.