Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It happens when the body is unable to make enough insulin or use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It is also crucial to know the symptoms, so you can determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or fails to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also harm your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This process can last for several months or even years, eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
In diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty and require to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can also lose weight since their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole food items, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks often have lots of sugar and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and physical activity to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed on one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will guide you to determine the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.