Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help to prevent or delay the disease. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms to know whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or fails to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high in time. This can cause problems with your eyes, feet and kidneys. It may also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over several months or even years before resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar in the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. 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 symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four liters daily.
Men can also shed weight as their bodies use muscles for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are a good choice. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks often have high levels of sugar in them and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to determine the best medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss and come in both tablets and injections.