Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of the signs, so you can tell whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get excessively high over time. This can lead to problems with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This process can take several years or even decades until it eventually leads to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be utilized to generate energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is increased thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and kidneys are unable to filter it out.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In diabetes, cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and they need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may want to limit your intake of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to choose the most appropriate medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.