Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t utilize it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become excessively high over time. This can cause problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also cause damage to the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This process can take months or years, eventually leading to a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar in the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They also may need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races and ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood and the kidneys aren’t able eliminate it in a proper manner.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. The body tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and need to drink lots of fluids.
Men may also lose weight as their bodies make use of muscle for energy rather than fat. This is because blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole food items, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks are typically packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are often combined with changes in lifestyle, like physical activity and diet, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to select the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.