Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to know the signs of a problem and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or aren’t able to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can take place over many months or even years before resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They also may need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races, ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are at higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t able to remove it effectively.
The signs of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods like fruits, whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will work with you to select the most appropriate medicine for your 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 lower the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.