Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease which affects millions of people every year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can lead to problems with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It could also harm your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This destruction can occur over many months or even years, eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps 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 need to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnicities, ages, and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes), and vision loss.
One of the early warning signs of diabetes in women is increased thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to filter it out.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
In diabetes, cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to 4 liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, reduce your weight and the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medications are typically combined with changes in lifestyle, like eating habits and physical activity to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed by one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will work with you to choose the best medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.