Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms to determine the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or fails to use it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies cannot use it effectively.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high in time. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. This destruction can occur over months or even for years, eventually resulting in the absence of insulin completely.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be utilized to generate energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
In diabetes it is when cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
You should include whole food items in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products such as beans, legumes, and beans are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might want to limit your intake of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks often have plenty of sugar, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.