Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can all help in preventing or delaying the progression of the disease. It is important to know the symptoms, so you can tell whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get excessively high over time. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also damage the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades and eventually lead to a total lack of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes must treat their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more at risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One of the first signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t equipped to remove it effectively.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In diabetes it is when cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as four liters per day.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle 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
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products such as beans, legumes, and beans are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are usually high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, such as physical activity and diet, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.