Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to know the symptoms, so you can tell whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue 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 helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This destruction can happen over many years or months, eventually leading to the total absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise. They also may need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races as well as ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for diabetes in women. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood and the kidneys aren’t able eliminate it effectively.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
In diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters daily.
Men may also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, such as fruits whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks often have high levels of sugar in them that can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes like eating habits and exercise to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will help you choose the best medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.