Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body is unable to make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential 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 how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can lead to issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also cause damage to the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This destruction can occur over months or even for years, eventually resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to eliminate it properly.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four liters daily.
Men can also lose weight because their bodies use muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products such as beans, legumes, and beans are a good choice. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within an acceptable range. These drugs are often paired with changes in lifestyle, like exercise and diet to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to pick the most appropriate medicine for your needs and preferences.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.