Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the progression of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to determine the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is 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 months or even years until it eventually leads to an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes all day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells remove 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 have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood, and your kidneys aren’t equipped to eliminate it properly.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In diabetes the cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This usually happens because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they have to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods like fruits, whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also need to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are usually packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in the normal range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed by one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will help you pick the best medication to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.