Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or their bodies cannot use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels are too high over time. This can lead to issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This process can take months or even years before eventually resulting in the total absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every 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 a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to get rid of it properly.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they have to drink plenty of fluids.
Men also may shed weight as their bodies use muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, including fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will guide you to choose the best medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and they are available in tablets and injections.