Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It happens when the body does not make enough insulin or make use of the insulin it has effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell the signs of a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become excessively high over time. This can lead to problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also harm the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. This destruction can happen over months or years, eventually leading to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is needed by people with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which can then be utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also have to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One of the early warning signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys aren’t able to eliminate it correctly.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing out the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters daily.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help regulate blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole food items, including 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 may also want to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks often have plenty of sugar and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as physical activity and diet, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will guide you to pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists of the peptide-1 receptor, reduce blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.