Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when the body does not make enough insulin or utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the development of the disease. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms to know what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or cannot use it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause problems with the eyes, feet and kidneys. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells inside the pancreas. The destruction can take place over many months or even years, eventually resulting in an absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar in the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t using insulin as 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 as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers must treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are more at risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and your kidneys aren’t equipped to eliminate it properly.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods like fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also want to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks often have lots of sugar in them and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are often combined with changes in lifestyle, like diet and physical activity, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor can help you pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.