Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body fails to produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also crucial to understand the symptoms so you can identify whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels are excessively high over time. This can cause issues in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It may also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. The destruction can happen over months or even years, eventually resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to maintain their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races as well as ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to eliminate it effectively.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that 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 from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods like fruits vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar in them which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, like diet and physical activity, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled on one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of developing complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.