Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to determine whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or are unable to use it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also harm the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can happen over months or even years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a healthy diet. They might also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and the kidneys aren’t able remove it in a proper manner.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they need to drink lots of fluids.
Men may also lose weight as their bodies use muscles for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are great choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are usually high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are often combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as eating habits and physical activity to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will help you determine the most appropriate medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the risk of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.