Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also important to know the symptoms, so you can identify whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or aren’t able to use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also cause damage to the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or years and eventually lead to the total absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medications to control their blood glucose levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually due to the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty, and need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products such as beans, legumes, and beans are a good choice. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might want to limit your intake of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are typically high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, like eating habits and physical activity to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will help you choose the best medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.