Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a terribly debilitating disease that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the disease. It is also crucial to be aware of the signs, so you can tell whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin or can’t use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high over time. This can lead to problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This process can last for many months or even years until it leads to an absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes 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 levels within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They might also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t able to filter it out effectively.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as four liters per day.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels stay high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are excellent choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might want to limit your intake of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled by one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to determine the best medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and come in both tablets and injections.