Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It happens because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to determine if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high over time. This can cause problems with the eyes, kidneys 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 disease in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This process can take months or even years and eventually lead to the total absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t equipped to eliminate it effectively.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters daily.
Men may also experience weight loss as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar, manage your weight and reduce heart disease risk factors.
You should include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are a good choice. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might also want to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to pick the most appropriate medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.