Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs 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 is also important to recognize the signs so you can identify whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This destruction can occur over months or even for years, eventually resulting in an absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. However women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is a higher thirst and increased urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your blood and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually due to the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help regulate blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, including fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain a lot of sugar that can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These drugs are often paired with changes in lifestyle, like physical activity and diet, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to determine the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of developing complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.