Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body does not produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also crucial to understand the symptoms so you can determine whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or fails to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also harm the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This destruction can occur over several months or even years before resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and kidneys are unable to filter it out.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually due to the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters per day.
Men also may lose weight as their bodies make use of muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might be advised to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain a lot of sugar, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with changes in lifestyle, like physical activity and diet, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to choose the most appropriate medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and they come in both tablet and injection forms.