Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to recognize the signs to determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or isn’t able to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This destruction can occur over many months or even years and eventually lead to the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within the healthy 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 aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it is used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs 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 bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t equipped to filter it out in a proper manner.
The signs of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, as much as 4 liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, reduce your weight and heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole food items, including 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 want to limit your intake of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are typically high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes such as exercising and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to choose the most appropriate medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.