Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also crucial to recognize the signs to determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels are excessively high over time. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. This destruction can happen over months or years until it eventually leads to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it is used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, including heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood, and your kidneys aren’t able to filter it out in a proper manner.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In diabetes, cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters per day.
Men may also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart diseases.
You should include whole food items in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the chance of developing complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.