Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of the signs, so you can determine whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or their bodies cannot use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also cause damage to arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This process can take months or even years until it eventually leads to an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t filter it out.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four liters daily.
Men may also lose weight because their bodies rely on muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also want to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks often have high levels of sugar in them that can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These drugs are often paired with changes to your lifestyle, such as exercise and diet to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will help you pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the chance of developing complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.