Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the development of the disease. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to determine if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It could also harm your heart arteries and 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. The destruction can take place over several years or even decades until it eventually leads to the total absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, like heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
One of the first signs of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters a day.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, like 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 want to limit your intake of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain a lot of sugar in them and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and physical activity to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to choose the best medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and come in both tablets and injections.