Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause problems with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It could also harm the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This destruction can occur over several months or even years, eventually resulting in an absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes every day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it can be utilized to generate energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
One of the early signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to filter it out.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they have to drink lots of fluids.
The men may also shed weight as their bodies rely on muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, including fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are usually high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will assist you select the right medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss, and they are available in tablets and injections.