Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body fails to make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or aren’t able to use it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause issues with your eyes, kidneys 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 the pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. This destruction can happen over many years or months before eventually resulting in a total lack of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medications to control their blood glucose levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to eliminate it in a proper manner.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
In diabetes the cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is usually due to the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. The body tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids, as much as 4 liters a day.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle to make 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 for diabetes is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, manage your weight, and lower the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
You should include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products as well as legumes, beans and beans are great choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also need to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks often have plenty of sugar and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, like physical activity and diet, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled on one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will assist you choose the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.