Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also crucial to be aware of the signs, so you can determine whether there is 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 the pancreas stops producing enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It may also damage 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 cell in the pancreas. This destruction can occur over many months or even years until it leads to a complete lack of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more susceptible than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early 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 bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t equipped to remove it properly.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products such as beans, legumes, and beans are good choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might be advised to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medications are typically combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as exercise and diet to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed on one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.