Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It is caused because the body doesn’t make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and treated or delayed through 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) disease that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high in time. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or years, eventually leading to an inability to produce insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose 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 which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition through a healthy 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 disease that affects people of all races as well as ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood and the kidneys aren’t able eliminate it properly.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters per day.
Men may also shed weight as their bodies use muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole food items, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might be advised to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are usually high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These drugs are often paired with changes to your lifestyle, such as diet and physical activity, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will work with you to determine the most appropriate medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the chance of developing complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.