Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions each year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also important to be aware of the signs, so you can identify whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels get excessively high over time. This can cause problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can take place over many months or even years, eventually resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every day. They also must monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They might also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood, and your kidneys cannot remove it.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters per day.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, including fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will work with you to select the best medicine for your needs and preferences.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of developing complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and they come in both tablet and injection forms.