Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body fails to produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it produces effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the disease. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that impacts 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 a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also harm the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This process can take several years or even decades until it eventually leads to the total absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They also may need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able filter it out correctly.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually due to the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men can also lose weight as their bodies utilize muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, manage your weight, and lower heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
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 medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are usually combined with changes in lifestyle, like diet and physical activity, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor can help you select the right medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.