Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It occurs because the body doesn’t make enough insulin or use the insulin that it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also important to understand the symptoms so you can determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (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 properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it work properly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can lead to problems in the 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, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over many years or months, eventually leading to a total lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot remove it.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually due to the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty and require to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar, manage your weight and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, including fruits whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are often high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medication, you might need to add a second medication. Your doctor will help you pick the best medication to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.