Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body fails to produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also crucial to know the symptoms, so you can determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
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 take place over months or even years before resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is required by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that assists 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 might also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more at risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is increased thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood, and the kidneys aren’t able remove it in a proper manner.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four liters per day.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
You should include whole food items in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are great choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks are often packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to choose the most appropriate medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the chance of developing complications. They also help with weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.