Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is important to know the symptoms, so you can identify whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it effectively.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can lead to problems with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It could also harm the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The destruction can take place over many years or months, eventually leading to an inability to produce insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar in the normal 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, which is then used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They also may need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are more at risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
One early warning sign of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they need to drink lots of fluids.
Men may also lose weight as their bodies use muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is because blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
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 reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks often have plenty of sugar in them and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as diet and physical activity, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled by one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to choose the most appropriate medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and are available in tablets and injections.