Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness which affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body fails to produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to know what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which 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 correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can lead to issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This process can last for months or even for years and eventually lead to the absence of insulin completely.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also have to take medications to control their blood glucose levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to suffer from complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters daily.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is an important part of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole food items, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may be advised to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar in them, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and physical activity to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medicine, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to choose the best medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.