Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body does not produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also important to understand the symptoms so you can identify if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or fails to use it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high over time. This can cause issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. This destruction can occur over many months or even years until it leads to a complete lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by those who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar levels within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a greater likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t eliminate it.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle 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
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
You should include whole food items in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are good choices. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also consider limiting the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are usually packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed on one medication it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will help you determine the most appropriate medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.