Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people every year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or when it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help prevent or delay the development of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or aren’t able to use it effectively.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels become excessively high over time. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. 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, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or years, eventually leading to a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes all day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then 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 medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, like heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to get rid of it correctly.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters a day.
The men may also lose weight since their bodies make use of muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar, manage your weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as 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 also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks are often packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are usually combined with changes in lifestyle, like physical activity and diet, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to select the most appropriate medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss and are available in tablets and injections.