Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It happens when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the progression of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the signs, so you can tell whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels get too high over time. This can cause problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or years, eventually leading to the total absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of exercise to maintain their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races as well as ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are at higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t filter it out.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men also may lose weight as their bodies utilize muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods like fruits, whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are usually combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as diet and physical activity, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled by one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will assist you choose the best medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.