Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms to know what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or aren’t able to use it correctly.
The blood sugar levels increase as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can 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 insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This destruction can occur over several months or even years before resulting in an absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to maintain their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also have to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races and ethnic groups and ages as well as genders. Women are more at risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
In diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty and require to drink lots of fluids.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for extended 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.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy 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 also consider limiting the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are often high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with changes in lifestyle, like physical activity and diet, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you choose the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar and have benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of developing complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.