Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions each year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when it’s not able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to know what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops making enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels are too high over time. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. This process can take months or even years until it eventually leads to an inability to produce insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to regulate 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 more susceptible 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.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to remove it correctly.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they have to drink lots of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help 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 vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are typically packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to pick the most appropriate medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablets and injections.