Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the development of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or isn’t able to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high over time. This can lead to issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. The destruction can happen over months or even years, eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able remove it in a proper manner.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters a day.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled on one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor can help you determine the most appropriate medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.