Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is important to recognize the signs so you can determine whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or fails to use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels are too high in time. This can cause issues in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It could also cause damage to blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. This destruction can occur over several months or even years until it leads to an absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose 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, your body is not using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more susceptible than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This usually happens because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes typically experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters per day.
The men may also lose weight since their bodies use muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products as well as legumes, beans and beans are good choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may also consider limiting the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are often high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, such as physical activity and diet, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will help you choose the best medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and they are available in tablets and injections.