Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms to determine what’s wrong and get 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 isn’t producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. 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 too high over time. This can cause issues with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This process can take months or years and eventually lead to an inability to produce insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used for energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are more at risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood, and your kidneys cannot eliminate it.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are good choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may want to limit your intake of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are usually high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, like exercise 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 pick the best medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and they come in both tablets and injections.