Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the progression of the disease. It is also important to know the symptoms, to determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become excessively high over time. This can cause issues with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It could also harm the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or even for years, eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to maintain their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also need to take medications to control their blood glucose levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to remove it.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually due to the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters per day.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks often have plenty of sugar, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are usually combined with changes in lifestyle, like physical activity and diet, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled by one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to pick the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, 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.