Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it can’t use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It is also important to know the symptoms, to determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause problems with your eyes, feet and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over several months or even years until it leads to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races and ethnicities, ages, and genders. Women are at greater risk than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One early warning sign of women with diabetes is increased thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters per day.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are a good choice. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain a lot of sugar which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will guide you to choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and they come in both tablets and injections.