Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is important to understand the symptoms so you can determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or fails to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also cause damage to coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for months or even years, eventually leading to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes every 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 a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They might also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are at greater risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your blood, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. The body tries to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may also shed weight as their bodies make use of muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for long 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 that can lead to 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 as well as legumes, beans and beans are good choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may be advised to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes like eating habits and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to pick the most appropriate medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and come in both tablets and injections.