Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels are too high over time. This can lead to problems with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This process can last for months or even for years and eventually lead to a complete lack of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin each day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells to remove 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 eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your blood and kidneys can’t remove it.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters daily.
Men also may lose weight as their bodies use muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are great choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may be advised to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are often combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as eating habits and physical activity to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed on one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.