Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is important to be aware of the signs, so you can determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or fails to use it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. 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 an autoimmune disorder and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This destruction can happen over several years or even decades, eventually leading to the total absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races and ethnicities, ages, and genders. Women are more at risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
One of the first signs of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to remove it.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
In diabetes, cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty and require to drink a lot of fluids.
Men may also lose weight because their bodies make use of muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a key element in managing your condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart diseases.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are a good choice. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks typically contain a lot of sugar in them that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled on one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will work with you to choose the most appropriate medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of developing complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.