Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the disease. It is also important to be aware of the signs, so you can determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This process can last for several months or even years until it leads to the absence of insulin completely.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t producing 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 to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They might also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races as well as ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to filter it out in a proper manner.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. The body tries to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters daily.
Men may also shed weight as their bodies make use of muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar, reduce your weight and risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might consider limiting your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like eating habits and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medicine, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the chance of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.