Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It happens 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 curable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to recognize the signs so you can tell if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or fails to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin, or their bodies are unable to use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high over time. This can cause issues in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It may 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 pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The destruction can take place over several years or even decades and eventually lead to a total lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their 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 may not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is increased thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and your kidneys aren’t able to get rid of it correctly.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually due to the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products such as beans, legumes, and beans are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may also want to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are typically high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor can help you select the right medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.