Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms to determine whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can lead to problems with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also damage 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 insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for months or even years, eventually leading to a total lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes with a healthy diet and regular exercise. 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, ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is a rise in thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able remove it correctly.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
In diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters daily.
Men may also lose weight because their bodies rely on muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are excellent choices. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks often have lots of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will work with you to choose the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and come in both tablet and injection forms.