Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when it isn’t able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or fails to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels can become excessively high over time. This can lead to issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder 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 before resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar in an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it is utilized to generate energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races, ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. However, women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One of the early signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t able to get rid of it correctly.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men also may lose weight since their bodies rely on muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole food items, including fruits whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, like physical activity and diet, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you determine the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.