Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions each year. It occurs when the body fails to produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it has effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It is also essential to recognize the signs to determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels get excessively high over time. This can cause problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also cause damage to coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can happen over months or even years, eventually resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is required by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not use insulin the way 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 to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in your blood and the kidneys aren’t able eliminate it correctly.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they need to drink lots of fluids.
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 remain high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods like fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may be advised to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to choose the best medication for your requirements and preferences.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the chance of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.