Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the onset of the disease. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies cannot use it effectively.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels are too high in time. This can cause problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This destruction can happen over several years or even decades until it eventually leads to a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a balanced diet. They might also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters per day.
Men can 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 healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are a good choice. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might be advised to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks often have a lot of sugar, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, like diet and physical activity, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will guide you to pick the best medication to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.