Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it can’t use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can aid in preventing or reducing the disease. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become too high in time. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It could also harm the heart and brain arteries as well as your 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 happen over months or even years, eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races and ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually due to the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart diseases.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods like fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might consider limiting your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will help you pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and they come in both tablet and injection forms.