Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body fails to produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms so you can tell what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to use it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. This process can take many years or months and eventually lead to a total lack of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to maintain their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a healthy diet. They also may need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races as well as ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. However, women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of women suffering from diabetes is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, 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 because blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are a good choice. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may be advised to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain plenty of sugar in them, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes like eating habits and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will work with you to choose the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.