Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It happens when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when it isn’t able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms to determine if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or aren’t able to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. The destruction can happen over months or even years before resulting in an absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also have to take medications to control their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and the kidneys aren’t able eliminate it effectively.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as four liters per day.
Men also may shed weight as their bodies make use of muscles for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are great choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain plenty of sugar which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These drugs are often paired with changes in lifestyle, like physical activity and diet, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will guide you to pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.