Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body fails to produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the development of the disease. It’s important to be aware of symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or is unable to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become excessively high over time. This can lead to problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or even for years until it leads to the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also need to take medications to control their blood glucose levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are at greater risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
One of the first signs of women suffering from diabetes is a rise in thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to eliminate it correctly.
Men with diabetes: 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 results in high blood sugar levels. The body tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they have to drink lots of fluids.
Men also may lose weight since their bodies use muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart diseases.
You should include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are good choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may be advised to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes such as exercising and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed by one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will help you pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.