Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help to prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels are excessively high over time. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. The destruction can happen over months or even for years before resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to maintain their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races and ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One of the early warning signs of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to remove it.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men also may shed weight as their bodies rely on muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks usually contain a lot of sugar in them and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These drugs are often paired with changes in lifestyle, like diet and physical activity, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medication, you might need to add a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss and are available in tablets and injections.