Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it’s not able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to recognize the signs so you can tell if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high in time. This can cause issues with your eyes, feet and kidneys. It can also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. This destruction can happen over months or years and eventually lead to a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races and ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys aren’t able to get rid of it effectively.
Men with diabetes The signs and symptoms
In diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, as much as 4 liters a day.
The men may also lose weight as their bodies use muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods like fruits whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also be able to reduce the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks often have plenty of sugar in them which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, like exercise and diet to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and come in both tablet and injection forms.