Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It happens when the body fails to produce enough insulin, or fails to utilize the insulin it has effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can aid in preventing or reducing the onset of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the signs, so you can tell whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin or doesn’t utilize it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or are unable to use it effectively.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause problems with your eyes, feet, 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 the pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. This destruction can happen over months or years before eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people with type 1 diabetes all day. They also must monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their the levels of insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the bloodstream and the kidneys aren’t able filter it out correctly.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
In the case of diabetes, cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually due to the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are excellent choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may consider limiting your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks often have high levels of sugar that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being controlled by one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you determine the most appropriate medicine 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 are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the chance of developing complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.