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 fails to make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is important to be aware of the signs, so you can identify whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This process can last for many months or even years, eventually resulting in an absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar in an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also need to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to remove it in a proper manner.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as four liters daily.
Men can also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also want to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are often high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes like eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.