Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body fails to produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the development of the disease. It is also essential to know the symptoms, so you can tell if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or fails to use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes do not 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 problems with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The destruction can happen over many months or even years, eventually resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also must monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable 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 helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One early warning sign of women suffering from diabetes is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your blood and your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
You should include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are great choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks often have a lot of sugar, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.