Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the development of the disease. It is also crucial to understand the symptoms so you can tell whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t utilize it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high in time. This can cause issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades, eventually leading to the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it is utilized to generate energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They also may need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races and ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are more at risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they have to drink a lot of fluids.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar, manage your weight, and lower risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods like fruits, whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may consider limiting your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are usually packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are often combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as exercise and diet to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled on one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will work with you to choose the best medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of developing complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.