Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to know whether something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems with your eyes, feet and kidneys. It could also cause damage to coronary arteries 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. The destruction can happen over many months or even years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to maintain their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition through a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to develop complications, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot filter it out.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters daily.
Men also may lose weight because their bodies make use of muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also want to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks usually contain plenty of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled by one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to choose the best medication for your needs and preferences.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors as well as glucagon peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and they come in both tablet and injection forms.