Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to recognize the signs so you can identify whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or cannot use it effectively.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become excessively high over time. This can cause issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It could also cause damage to blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can happen over many months or even years, eventually resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels 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 that helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are more at risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign 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 filter it out in a proper manner.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters daily.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, manage your weight and reduce heart disease risk factors.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products and legumes are a good choice. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks are usually high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within an acceptable range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and exercise to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor can help you determine the most appropriate medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.