Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions each year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to know what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or aren’t able to use it effectively.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels are too high over time. This can cause issues in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It could also harm your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This destruction can happen over months or years until it eventually leads to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust 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 does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and vision loss.
One early warning sign of diabetes in women is increased thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot eliminate it.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters a day.
Men can 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 long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are a good choice. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may be advised to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain lots of sugar, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in the normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to pick the most appropriate medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.