Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions each year. It happens when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the development of the disease. It is important to recognize the signs so you can identify whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can cause problems with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It could also harm your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This destruction can occur over months or even years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 your 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 so that it can be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races and ethnicities as well as ages and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to remove it properly.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
In diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually due to the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are often high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, like eating habits and physical activity to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed on one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will assist you to determine the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.