Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It’s important to be aware of symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or fails to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It can also harm the coronary arteries 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 several months or even years before resulting in an absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
In diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This usually happens because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty and require to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels remain high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may want to limit your intake of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to select the best medication for your requirements and preferences.
The latest medications, including 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, as well as reducing the chance of developing complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.