Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It is caused because the body doesn’t make enough insulin or use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to know the symptoms, so you can identify whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This process can last for months or even years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races and ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to get rid of it in a proper manner.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss because 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 balanced diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, control your weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
You should include whole food items in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products as well as legumes, beans and beans are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks often have lots of sugar in them and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like eating habits and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to select the best medicine for your requirements and preferences.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablets and injections.