Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body fails to make enough insulin or use the insulin that it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can cause problems with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also cause damage to the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or even years, eventually leading to an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is required by those who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also must monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races as well as ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. However women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of diabetes in women is a higher thirst and increased urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to eliminate it effectively.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss because their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for 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 free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may be advised to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks often have high levels of sugar in them and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes such as exercising and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to choose the most appropriate medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.