Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It occurs when the body is unable to make enough insulin or use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is important to be aware of the signs, to determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get excessively high over time. This can cause problems with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It may also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This process can last for months or even years, eventually resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to maintain their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races as well as ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to eliminate it effectively.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is typically because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men may 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 are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods like fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may need to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes such as exercising and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will help you determine the most appropriate medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and they are available in tablets and injections.