Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions each year. It happens when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause issues with your feet, eyes, and kidneys. It may also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or even years, eventually leading to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t using insulin as it 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 as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They also may need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and kidneys can’t remove it.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In diabetes the cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they have to drink lots of fluids.
The men may also shed weight as their bodies utilize muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce heart disease risk factors.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are great choices. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may need to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain plenty of sugar in them which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the risk of developing complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and they are available in tablet and injection forms.