Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body is unable to make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to know the symptoms, so you can determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or aren’t able to utilize it effectively.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels get too high in time. This can lead to problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also damage the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease 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 several months or even years and eventually lead to an absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar levels within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it is used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and kidneys can’t eliminate it.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty, and they have to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can also lose weight since their bodies utilize muscle for energy rather than fat. This is because blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar, manage your weight, and lower heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are often combined with changes in lifestyle, like eating habits and physical activity to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor can help you determine the most appropriate medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.