Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms to know whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can cause issues with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. This destruction can occur over months or even years until it leads to an absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty and require to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, manage your weight, and lower heart disease risk factors.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are good choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain a lot of sugar that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are usually combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as diet and physical activity, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled by one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.