Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also important to know the symptoms, so you can determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high over time. This can lead to problems with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. The destruction can take place over months or even for years, eventually resulting in a complete lack 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 the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose 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 helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t eliminate it.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four liters a day.
Men also may lose weight since their bodies utilize muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, manage your weight, and lower heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, including fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will guide you to pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.