Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin, or fails to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels increase as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage 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 cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for months or years before eventually resulting in a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by those who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and kidneys can’t remove it.
The signs of diabetes in men
In diabetes the cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. The body tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters daily.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for 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) fat and added sugars.
You may also need to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are often high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are often combined with changes in lifestyle, like eating habits and physical activity to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled on one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.