Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions each year. It happens because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or use the insulin that it has effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to problems with your feet, eyes, and kidneys. It may also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This destruction can happen over months or years before eventually resulting in an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is required by those who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar in the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not utilize insulin in the way 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 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is increased thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and kidneys can’t remove it.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels control weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are great choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain a lot of sugar and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These drugs are often paired with changes in lifestyle, like eating habits and physical activity to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed by one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to choose the best medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and they are available in tablet and injection forms.