Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when the body is unable to make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is important to recognize the signs so you can tell if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also cause damage to the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or even years, eventually leading to an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar in an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They might also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnicities and ages as well as genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and your kidneys aren’t able to get rid of it effectively.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. The body tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, as much as 4 liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods like fruits whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as exercising and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor can help you select the right medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.