Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is important to understand the symptoms so you can identify whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels get excessively high over time. This can cause problems with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also damage your brain and heart arteries.
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. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades before eventually resulting in a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and kidneys can’t filter it out.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. The body tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four liters per day.
The men may also shed weight as their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods like fruits, whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also be able to reduce the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are typically packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to determine the best medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.