Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions each year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also crucial to know the symptoms, to determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also harm the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. This process can last for many months or even years before resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also must monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They also may need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races as well as ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, like heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for diabetes in women. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able filter it out in a proper manner.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters daily.
Men can also shed weight as their bodies utilize muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, such as fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may also need to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed by one medication, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will help you determine the most appropriate medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.