Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when the body does not produce enough insulin or use the insulin that it has effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It is also important to be aware of the signs, so you can determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or cannot use it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause problems with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It could also cause damage to blood vessels 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 cells that produce insulin and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for months or even years before eventually resulting in a total lack of insulin.
People with 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 glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races as well as ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are more at risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is a higher thirst and increased urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to get rid of it effectively.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss since 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 diabetes diet 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 foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are good choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may be advised to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar that can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to choose the most appropriate medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.