Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also crucial to recognize the signs so you can identify whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting), which impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels get excessively high over time. This can cause issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. The destruction can happen over many months or even years and eventually lead to an absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes all day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They might also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where 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 results in high blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are great choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might want to limit your intake of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar in them and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled by one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will help you pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and they are available in tablet and injection forms.