Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when the body fails to produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the progression of the disease. It is also crucial to understand the symptoms so you can tell whether you are suffering from a condition 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 occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or aren’t able to use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also cause damage to blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This process can last for months or even years and eventually lead to a complete lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes all day. They also must monitor their blood glucose 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 have type 2, your body is not making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
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 bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to remove it.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four liters daily.
Men can 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 remain 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 control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart diseases.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are great choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks are typically high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will assist you select the right medicine for your preferences and needs.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the risk of developing complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.