Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to know if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or aren’t able to utilize it effectively.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues with your feet, eyes, and kidneys. It could also cause damage to arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This process can take many years or months and eventually lead to an inability to produce insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One early warning sign of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to filter it out.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
You should include whole food items in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are great choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also consider limiting the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks often have a lot of sugar in them that can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled on one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to choose the best 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, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.