Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it has effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It is important to recognize the signs so you can determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It could also harm the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This process can take months or years before eventually resulting in an inability to produce insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells where it can be utilized to generate energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races and ethnicities age, genders, and ages. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and your kidneys aren’t equipped to get rid of it effectively.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
In diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are good choices. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might be advised to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as exercising and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled on one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor can help you choose the best medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the chance of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.