Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms to know whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels get excessively high over time. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It could also cause damage to coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the 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 an absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar in the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and they have to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you choose the best medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and come in both tablets and injections.