Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when the body does not make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also important to be aware of the signs, so you can identify whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also harm 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 the pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. The destruction can take place over many years or months until it eventually leads to an inability to produce insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it is used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes must treat their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnicities age, genders, and ages. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your blood, and your kidneys cannot remove it.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters daily.
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 remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods like fruits, whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These drugs are often paired with changes to your lifestyle, such as exercise and diet to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed by one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to pick the best medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.