Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or use the insulin that it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms to know whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels get too high over time. This can lead to problems with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can take place over several months or even years and eventually lead to a complete lack of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races, ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, like heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and kidneys are unable to remove it.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may also lose weight because their bodies make use of muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods like fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks usually contain lots of sugar in them that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled by one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss and are available in tablets and injections.