Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can all help in preventing or delaying the progression of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies cannot use it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high over time. This can lead to issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can happen over many months or even years, eventually resulting in an absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of women with diabetes is increased thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and the kidneys aren’t able remove it properly.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty and require to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss because their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, reduce your weight and the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods like fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also want to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are often packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will guide you to pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss and are available in tablets and injections.