Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people every year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is important to be aware of the signs, so you can identify if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or fails to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it effectively.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become excessively high over time. This can lead to problems with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can happen over months or even for years before resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the 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, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One early warning sign of women with diabetes is increased thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot remove it.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces too little 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.
People with diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as four liters per day.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods like fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks usually contain lots of sugar in them and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are often combined with changes in lifestyle, like diet and physical activity, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to choose the best medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss and are available in tablets and injections.