Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body does not make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also important to be aware of the signs, so you can tell whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the arteries in your heart 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 within the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or years, eventually leading to a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to remove it properly.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters per day.
Men also may lose weight because their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods like fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may be advised to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks often have lots of sugar in them, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and physical activity to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to determine the most appropriate medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.