Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the development of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the signs, so you can identify whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also cause damage to 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. This destruction can occur over months or even for years until it leads to the complete absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to maintain their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and your kidneys aren’t able to filter it out properly.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
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 good choices. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might be advised to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These drugs are often paired with changes in lifestyle, like eating habits and physical activity to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.