Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell whether something is wrong and get 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 isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to use it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels can become too high over time. This can cause issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or even for years, eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activity levels to keep their blood sugar in the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They might also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), 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 the kidneys aren’t able filter it out effectively.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
Men can also lose weight as their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels remain high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are excellent choices. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are often high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will work with you to pick the most appropriate medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.