Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the development of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting), which impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or their bodies are unable to use it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high in time. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It may also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This process can last for months or even years, eventually resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then used as energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnicities and ages as well as genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and vision loss.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
In diabetes it is when cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters a day.
Men can 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 remain high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods like fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may want to limit your intake of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar in them which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, such as physical activity and diet, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled on one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will help you choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of developing complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and come in both tablet and injection forms.