Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when the body fails to produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms to determine the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause issues in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It can also harm the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The destruction can take place over months or even years, eventually resulting in an absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to keep their blood sugar levels within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a greater likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t remove it.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
In diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole food items in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are great choices. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might need to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being managed well with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will help you choose the best medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and they come in both tablets and injections.