Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or fails to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This process can take months or even years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it can be utilized to generate energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They also may need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are more susceptible than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters daily.
Men may also experience weight loss as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, control your weight, and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, including fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may also consider limiting the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks often have plenty of sugar in them and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will guide you to choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.