Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms to determine the signs of a problem and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also cause damage to the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for many years or months and eventually lead to an inability to produce insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes all day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar levels 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 assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races as well as ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from 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 early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is increased thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys aren’t able to filter it out correctly.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is typically because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they have to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also lose weight since their bodies utilize muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, such as physical activity and diet, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you determine the most appropriate medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.