Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it can’t use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (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 utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to use it effectively.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It can also damage the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for months or even years before eventually resulting in a total lack of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar within the normal 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 assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used as energy.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are more at risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
One early warning sign of diabetes in women is increased thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t filter it out.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In diabetes the cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men also may lose weight as their bodies use muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, such as fruits whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication 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 levels aren’t controlled on one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will help you pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease 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.