Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It is also important to recognize the signs to determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to use it effectively.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become excessively high over time. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also harm the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They also may need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races and ethnicities, ages, and genders. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, including heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys aren’t able to filter it out in a proper manner.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids, as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may also shed weight as their bodies rely on muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods like fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may want to limit your intake of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are often combined with changes in lifestyle, like physical activity and diet, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled on one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will assist you to determine the best medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.