Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it’s not able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms to know if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting), which impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also harm the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for many years or months before eventually resulting in an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. 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.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
In diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they have to drink a lot of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar, manage your weight, and lower the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, including fruits vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may consider limiting your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are typically high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with changes in lifestyle, like diet and physical activity, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.