Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when the body is unable to make enough insulin or use the insulin that it has effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over several years or even decades, eventually leading to a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not make use of insulin as it 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.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races as well as ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood, and your kidneys aren’t able to eliminate it in a proper manner.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters daily.
Men also may shed weight as their bodies rely on muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, including fruits vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may be advised to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain a lot of sugar, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medicine, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will guide you to determine the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.