Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that is affecting millions of people each year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot utilize the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of the 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 the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This process can last for months or even years until it leads to a complete lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They might also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to 4 liters a day.
Men may also lose weight as their bodies rely on muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may be advised to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are often packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and exercise to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled by one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to choose the best medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce 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.