Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help prevent or delay the development of the disease. It is also essential to understand the symptoms to determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels can become too high over time. This can cause issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also harm the arteries 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 pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. The destruction can happen over many months or even years until it leads to the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise. They also may need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to get rid of it properly.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
Men may also shed weight as their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are typically packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and physical activity to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will guide you to pick the best medication to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the risk of developing complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.