Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body fails to produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or even years until it eventually leads to an inability to produce insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it is utilized to generate energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women with diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and the kidneys aren’t able get rid of it correctly.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This usually happens because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they have to drink a lot of fluids.
Men also may lose weight as their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is because blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, such as fruits vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar that can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within an acceptable range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will guide you to determine the most appropriate medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.