Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the progression of the disease. It is also crucial to know the symptoms, so you can determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high over time. This can lead to issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also cause damage to arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can take place over many months or even years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning 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.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters daily.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole food items, including fruits vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks are typically high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to select the best medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.