Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body is unable to make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms so you can tell the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also cause damage to blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This process can take many years or months before eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They might also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, like heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to get rid of it effectively.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
In diabetes the cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually due to the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters per day.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole food items, including 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 also consider limiting the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are typically high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled on one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor can help you select the right medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the chance of developing complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.