Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body does not make enough insulin or use the insulin that it has effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to determine if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or cannot use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can cause problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also harm the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades and eventually lead to a total lack of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not make use of 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 to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and eat a balanced diet. They might also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and kidneys can’t eliminate it.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
In diabetes, cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters per day.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, including fruits vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also need to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are usually packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to select the most appropriate medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and are available in tablets and injections.