Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or are unable to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause problems with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also cause damage to your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This process can last for many months or even years until it leads to the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used for energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races and ethnicities and ages as well as genders. Women are more at risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One of the early signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and kidneys can’t filter it out.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
In diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as four liters daily.
Men may also lose weight since their bodies utilize muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may also consider limiting the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar in them which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor can help you determine the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.