Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the onset of the disease. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms to know the signs of a problem and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or years before eventually resulting in the total absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar in a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They also may need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more at risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
One of the early signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys aren’t able to get rid of it properly.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities 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 due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar, reduce your weight and risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are good choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also be able to reduce the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks typically contain a lot of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in the normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will guide you to select the right medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.