Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to determine what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or fails to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels are too high in time. This can cause issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also harm your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The destruction can take place over months or even for years, eventually resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood, and the kidneys aren’t able eliminate it properly.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
In diabetes the cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men may also shed weight as their bodies make use of muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole food items, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled on one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor can help you 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 chance of developing complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.