Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it has effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is important to recognize the signs so you can determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or fails to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels are excessively high over time. This can lead to problems with your eyes, feet and kidneys. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction can happen over months or even for years, eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar levels within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and your kidneys aren’t able to get rid of it effectively.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men can also shed weight as their bodies use muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole food items, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain lots of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and physical activity to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to determine the most appropriate medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.