Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body is unable to make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies cannot use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause issues with your eyes, feet and kidneys. It may also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or years before eventually resulting in the total absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also have to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races as well as ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are more at risk than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of women suffering from diabetes is increased thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t equipped to eliminate it in a proper manner.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole food items, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar in them that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and physical activity to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to choose the most appropriate medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.