Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also crucial to recognize the signs so you can tell whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can lead to issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also cause damage to blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for months or years until it eventually leads to an inability to produce insulin.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activity levels to keep their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They also may need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they have to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also lose weight since their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are good choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks often have high levels of sugar, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and physical activity to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.