Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell the signs of a problem and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high in time. This can cause problems with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also damage the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This process can last for months or even for years until it leads to the absence of insulin completely.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not functioning as insulin 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 as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of diabetes in women is a rise in 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 filter it out effectively.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
In diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas is producing too little 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 through urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty, and need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods like fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, like eating habits and physical activity to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor can help you select the right medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of developing complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.