Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also important to know the symptoms, so you can 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 your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can cause issues with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can take place over many years or months, eventually leading to the total absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes must treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty and require to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may also want to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are usually high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and physical activity to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best medication for your specific needs and preferences.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of developing complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.