Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or when it isn’t able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the development of the disease. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or isn’t able to properly use it.
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 aren’t able to use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
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. This process can last for several months or even years and eventually lead to the absence of insulin completely.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then utilized to generate energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and the kidneys aren’t able filter it out effectively.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four 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 the blood sugar level stays high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, manage your weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, including fruits vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may want to limit your intake of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.