Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people every year. It occurs because the body doesn’t make enough insulin or use the insulin that it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the development of the disease. It is also essential to know the symptoms, so you can identify whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause issues in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This destruction can happen over months or even years, eventually leading to the complete absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to maintain their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One of the early warning signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in your blood and the kidneys aren’t able remove it in a proper manner.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important part of managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, control your weight, and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, including fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might be advised to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are typically combined with changes in lifestyle, like eating habits and physical activity to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled on one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.