Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is also important to know the symptoms, so you can determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or their bodies cannot use it effectively.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can cause 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 auto-immune disease which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This destruction can happen over months or even years and eventually lead to the total absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races and ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t remove it.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually due to the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty and require to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss because 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 balanced diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole food items, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might be advised to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar in them, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, like physical activity and diet, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to select the best medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.