Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it has effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the disease. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms to know whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels are too high over time. This can lead to 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 an autoimmune disorder which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This process can take months or even years and eventually lead to an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and kidneys can’t remove it.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to 4 liters a day.
Men may 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 level remains high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is an important part of managing your condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, including fruits vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also want to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are usually high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will guide you to determine the most appropriate medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and they are available in tablets and injections.