Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops making enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can lead to issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also cause damage to the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This process can last for many months or even years before resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it is utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
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 at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
The signs of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels remain high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, control your weight, and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks typically contain a lot of sugar in them, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to select the best medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and they come in both tablet and injection forms.