Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it can’t use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels are excessively high over time. This can cause problems with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This process can take many years or months until it eventually leads to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed 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 levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar in the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. 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, and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is increased thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able remove it correctly.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may be advised to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are usually combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as physical activity and diet, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed by one medication it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will work with you to select the most appropriate medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.