Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or utilize the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to know the symptoms, to determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
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. This destruction can occur over months or even for years and eventually lead to an absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then utilized to generate energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Men who suffer from diabetes show signs
In diabetes the cells are unable use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This usually happens because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as four liters daily.
Men can also lose weight since their bodies utilize muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods like fruits whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might want to limit your intake of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to select 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, as well as decreasing the chance of developing complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.