Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when the body fails to produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help to prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms so you can tell the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also cause damage to the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This destruction can occur over many months or even years until it leads to the absence of insulin completely.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to maintain their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
One early warning sign of women suffering from diabetes is a rise in thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and kidneys can’t filter it out.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, manage your weight and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
You should include whole food items in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are good choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks are often high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor can help you choose the best medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and come in both tablet and injection forms.