Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease which affects millions of people every year. It happens because the body doesn’t make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It’s important to be aware of symptoms so you can tell the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce 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 lead to problems with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. This process can take months or years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They might also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. Women are more at risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and kidneys can’t remove it.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they have to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, including fruits whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, like eating habits and physical activity to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the chance of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss, and are available in tablets and injections.