Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It happens when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it can’t use the insulin it does have effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the development of the disease. It is important to understand the symptoms so you can tell whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can lead to issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This destruction can occur over several months or even years until it leads to a complete lack of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not producing 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 must treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular 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 all races and ethnicities as well as ages and genders. Women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot eliminate it.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce 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.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, 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 because their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are a good choice. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may want to limit your intake of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as exercise and diet to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor can help you pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.