Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions each year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help to prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms to determine what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or is unable to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies are unable to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both types of diabetes. This can lead to problems with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or even years until it eventually leads to an inability to produce insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to maintain their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t use insulin the way it should. 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.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also have to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are at higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of women suffering from diabetes is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they need to drink lots of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods like fruits vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also want to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks often have lots of sugar in them and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within the normal range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being managed well with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to pick the most appropriate medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.