Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is important to understand the symptoms to determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or aren’t able to use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels get too high over time. This can lead to issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also cause damage to arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or even years until it eventually leads to an inability to produce insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to maintain their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races and ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of women with diabetes is increased thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys aren’t able to get rid of it in a proper manner.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters daily.
Men may also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help manage blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products such as beans, legumes, and beans are good choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also need to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are often packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, like physical activity and diet, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to choose the most appropriate medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and they come in both tablets and injections.