Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that is affecting millions of people each year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the disease. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms to determine what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to use it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels become excessively high over time. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This process can take months or even years, eventually leading to an inability to produce insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activity levels to keep their blood sugar in an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be utilized to generate energy.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races and ethnicities, ages, and genders. Women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t eliminate it.
The signs of diabetes in men
In diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. The body tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they need to drink lots of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may need to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain plenty of sugar which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) 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 is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the chance of developing complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.