Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when it can’t use the insulin it does have effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It is also crucial to be aware of the signs, so you can determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can lead to problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also harm the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This destruction can happen over months or even years and eventually lead to an inability to produce insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races and ethnicities as well as ages and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your blood and kidneys can’t filter it out.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This usually happens because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
Men also may lose weight because their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. 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 usually contain plenty of sugar, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will help you choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.