Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to know the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies cannot use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels are too high in time. This can cause issues with your eyes, feet, and kidneys. It can also harm the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades, eventually leading to the complete absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust the insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However, women are at a higher 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.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in your blood and the kidneys aren’t able eliminate it effectively.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
Men also may lose weight as their bodies utilize muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may be advised to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar in them, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are often combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as physical activity and diet, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to pick the most appropriate medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.