Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions each year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it produces effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the development of the disease. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can lead to issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also cause damage to blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This destruction can occur over months or even for years and eventually lead to an absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar in the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of women with diabetes is increased thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys aren’t able to filter it out in a proper manner.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and they need to drink lots of fluids.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, including fruits vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar in them and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will help you pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.