Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to know the symptoms, so you can tell if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This destruction can occur over several months or even years and eventually lead to a complete lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
One early warning sign of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urination, called polydipsia. 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 Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters a day.
Men may also lose weight since their bodies utilize muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are great choices. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medicine, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor can help you select the right medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the chance of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.