Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body fails to produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the development of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or cannot use it in a proper way.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels are too high over time. This can cause issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also cause damage to the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease 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 several years or even decades before eventually resulting in the total absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps 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 diabetics need to exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races and ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is a higher thirst and increased urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and your kidneys are not able to remove it.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually due to the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters daily.
Men may also lose weight since their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for long 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, reduce your weight and risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods like fruits vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also consider limiting the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are typically packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help 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 levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to select the most appropriate medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the chance of developing complications. They also help with weight loss, and come in both tablet and injection forms.