Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions each year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the development of the disease. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to determine whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it in a proper way.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high in time. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. This destruction can happen over several years or even decades, eventually leading to an inability to produce insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to maintain their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races as well as ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are more at risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, like heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
One of the early signs of women with diabetes is increased thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to eliminate it effectively.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty, and they have to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are a good choice. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might be advised to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, like physical activity and diet, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled on one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor can help you pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.