Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to determine what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or fails to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t utilize it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also cause damage to the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades before eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They also may need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects all races as well as ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of women with diabetes is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and your kidneys are not able to remove it.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and they need to drink plenty of fluids.
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 levels stay high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for 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 great choices. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also need to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar in them which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled on one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you select the right medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss and are available in tablets and injections.