Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It is also crucial to recognize the signs so you can tell whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also cause damage to blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. This process can last for several months or even years and eventually lead to the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is needed by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar levels within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also have to take medications to control their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more at risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t remove it.
The signs of diabetes in men
In diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters daily.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are a good choice. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are usually packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled by one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will work with you to choose the most appropriate medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and they come in both tablet and injection forms.