Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it has effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also crucial to be aware of the signs, so you can identify whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also cause damage to the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over many years or months until it eventually leads to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a balanced diet. They also may need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One of the first signs of women suffering from diabetes is a rise in thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able get rid of it effectively.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body tries to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters a day.
The men may also lose weight as their bodies use 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
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar, reduce your weight and the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also be able to reduce the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar in them that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in the normal range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed by one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to determine the best medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.