Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can aid in preventing or reducing the progression of the disease. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms to determine whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops 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 don’t make enough insulin or their bodies cannot use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high in time. This can cause problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This process can last for months or even years until it leads to the absence of insulin completely.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not make use of 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 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to filter it out correctly.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters a day.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole food items, including fruits vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might be advised to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks often have high levels of sugar which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, 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 pick the most appropriate medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.