Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions each year. It is caused when the body fails to produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it in a proper way.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can lead to issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also harm the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. The destruction can take place over months or even years before eventually resulting in an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it can be used as energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
In diabetes, cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This usually happens because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often experience thirst and require to drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters per day.
Men may also lose weight because their bodies utilize muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, such as fruits whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also be able to reduce the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks often have plenty of sugar, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as physical activity and diet, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will guide you to choose the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.