Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms to know if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or isn’t able to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can lead to problems with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also cause damage to your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for many years or months, eventually leading to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also must monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels in order 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 hormonal substance that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which is then utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
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 likely to suffer from complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of women suffering from diabetes is increased thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your blood and kidneys are unable to filter it out.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods like fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are often combined with changes in lifestyle, like diet and physical activity, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.