Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also cause damage to 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 pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for many years or months and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They might also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of women with diabetes is increased thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t equipped to remove it effectively.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In diabetes the cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are good choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks often have lots of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medications are typically combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as eating habits and physical activity to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you determine the most appropriate medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.