Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it’s not able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It could also harm the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for months or years, eventually leading to the total absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and the kidneys aren’t able remove it in a proper manner.
The signs of diabetes in men
In diabetes it is when cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can also lose weight because their bodies rely on muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you 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, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are good choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks usually contain lots of sugar in them that can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled by one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to choose the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and 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 tablets and injections.