Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when the body is unable to make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to determine what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high in time. This can cause issues with your eyes, kidneys 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, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or even for years and eventually lead to an absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it is utilized to generate energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are more at risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys aren’t able to get rid of it effectively.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. The body tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters per day.
Men can also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for long periods of time.
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 consist of a wide range of whole food items, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might want to limit your intake of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are usually combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as physical activity and diet, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will help you pick the best medication to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.