Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body fails to produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it has effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help prevent or delay the development of the disease. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms to know if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or cannot use it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also harm your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The destruction can take place over several months or even years and eventually lead to a complete lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races, ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. However women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able remove it correctly.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty, and they have to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
You should include whole food items in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products as well as legumes, beans and beans are good choices. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also want to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks often have lots of sugar in them which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed by one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will guide you to select the right medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.