Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help prevent or delay the development of the disease. It is also essential to recognize the signs to determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it work properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can cause issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also harm your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for many years or months before eventually resulting in the total absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to remove it effectively.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters per day.
The men may also lose weight because their bodies rely on muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, control your weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
You should include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are great choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar in them that can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medications are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to pick the most appropriate medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.