Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions each year. It is caused when the body fails to produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to recognize the signs so you can determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t utilize it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high in time. This can cause issues with your 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 an auto-immune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can take place over several months or even years, eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also have to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races and ethnicities age, genders, and ages. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and kidneys are unable to remove it.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body tries to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to 4 liters a day.
Men can also lose weight because their bodies make use of muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, manage your weight, and lower the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might be advised to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to pick the most appropriate medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.