Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It’s also important to be aware of the symptoms to know whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or isn’t able to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become excessively high over time. This can lead to problems with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can take place over several months or even years until it leads to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes all day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races and ethnicities and ages as well as genders. However women are at a greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t equipped to remove it effectively.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, as much as four liters per day.
Men can also lose weight as their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, control your weight, and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may be advised to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will guide you to select the right medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce 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 injectable and tablet forms.