Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body fails to make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to know whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies are unable to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can lead to problems with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This process can take months or even years, eventually leading to the total absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activity levels to maintain their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, including heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to remove it effectively.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as four liters a day.
Men may also lose weight as their bodies utilize muscle for energy rather than fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods like fruits, whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might want to limit your intake of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will guide you to choose the best medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the chance of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.