Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to determine whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can cause problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. This destruction can occur over months or even for years until it leads to a complete lack of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are more at risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood and the kidneys aren’t able filter it out effectively.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as four liters per day.
Men can also experience weight loss as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are a good choice. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also need to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are usually packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in the normal range. These drugs are often paired with changes in lifestyle, like physical activity and diet, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to determine the most appropriate medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the chance of developing complications. They also help with weight loss, and are available in tablets and injections.