Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to know whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that affects 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 aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or their bodies cannot use it effectively.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels are too high over time. This can cause problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also harm your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This destruction can happen over several years or even decades, eventually leading to a total lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to maintain their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are at greater risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to filter it out properly.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is typically because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters per day.
Men can also lose weight because their bodies use muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, including fruits whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks often have plenty of sugar and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed by one medication it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will assist you to pick the best medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.