Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or is unable to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also harm 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 destruction can take place over months or years and eventually lead to an inability to produce insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also need to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races and ethnicities, ages, and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
The signs of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four liters a day.
Men can also lose weight because their bodies utilize muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is because blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are a good choice. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may need to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar in them that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are typically combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as physical activity and diet, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to pick the best medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.