Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body fails to produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or aren’t able to use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high in time. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also harm the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. The destruction can take place over many months or even years, eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it is used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnicities, ages, and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to remove it.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty and require to drink lots of fluids.
Men can also lose weight because their bodies rely on muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may need to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are often packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor can help you determine the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.