Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also crucial to be aware of the signs, to determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or fails to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels are too high over time. This can lead to issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also cause damage to 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 pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. This destruction can happen over several years or even decades, eventually leading to a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by those who suffer from type 1 diabetes 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 healthy 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 get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a balanced diet. They also may need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnicities as well as ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
One of the early warning signs of women with diabetes is increased thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
The signs of diabetes in men
In diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters per day.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
You should include whole food items in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are a good choice. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled on one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will work with you to choose the best medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.