Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions each year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s important to be aware of symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and get 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 the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or fails to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This destruction can occur over months or even years until it leads to the complete absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be utilized to generate energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t remove it.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters daily.
Men may also lose weight as their bodies utilize muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is because blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a key element in managing your condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are a good choice. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks often have plenty of sugar in them that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor can help you pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and come in both tablet and injection forms.