Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It happens because the body doesn’t make enough insulin or use the insulin that it has effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms to know whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body converts food into energy. It happens 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 known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high in time. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also cause damage to the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over several years or even decades and eventually lead to a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells get 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 need to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for diabetes in women. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t able to filter it out correctly.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This usually happens because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters per day.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks often have a lot of sugar that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to help 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 work with you to choose the best medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the risk of developing complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and they come in both tablets and injections.