Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body fails to make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It is also essential to recognize the signs so you can determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It could also harm your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This destruction can occur over several months or even years before resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be utilized to generate energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of diabetes in women is increased thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty, and they have to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels remain elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar, reduce your weight and risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are good choices. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may consider limiting your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain high levels of sugar that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as diet and physical activity, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will help you determine the most appropriate medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and they come in both tablets and injections.