Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms to know whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. The destruction can take place over several years or even decades before eventually resulting in a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by those who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They also may need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t equipped to filter it out effectively.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to 4 liters a day.
The men may also lose weight because their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are good choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar in them, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled by one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.