Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or use the insulin that it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the signs, to determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also cause damage to the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. The destruction can happen over several months or even years, eventually resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not utilize insulin in the way 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 must treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races as well as ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One of the early warning signs of diabetes in women is increased thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able filter it out properly.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are excellent choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar in them which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will guide you to determine the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the chance of developing complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.