Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body does not make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is also important to be aware of the signs, so you can determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or their bodies cannot use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can take place over several months or even years, eventually resulting in an absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races and ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
In diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products such as beans, legumes, and beans are good choices. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain plenty of sugar in them which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will work with you to determine the most appropriate medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the chance of developing complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.