Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions each year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the disease. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms to determine if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high in time. This can cause issues with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease 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 for years until it leads to a complete lack of insulin.
Insulin is required by those who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have 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, where it is used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races and ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is a higher thirst and increased the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able eliminate it properly.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, manage your weight, and lower heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also want to limit the amount of sweetened drinks with sugar you consume. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar in them, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are usually combined with changes to your lifestyle, such as eating habits and physical activity to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while reducing the risk of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.