Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can aid in preventing or reducing the progression of the disease. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms so you can tell whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or fails to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels are excessively high over time. This can cause issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The destruction can take place over months or even years, eventually leading to the total absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin each day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races as well as ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are more susceptible than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of women suffering from diabetes is increased thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to eliminate it properly.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
In the case of diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. The body tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they have to drink a lot of fluids.
Men also may lose weight as their bodies make use of muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods like fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also consider limiting the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks are typically packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to determine the best medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.