Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It is important to know the symptoms, so you can identify if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high over time. This can cause problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or years and eventually lead to an inability to produce insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it can be utilized to generate energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to regulate their blood sugar 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 have a greater likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and the kidneys aren’t able remove it correctly.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In diabetes, cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters daily.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are a good choice. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks are usually packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed by one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will help you select the right medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and come in both tablet and injection forms.