Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It is caused when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help to prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It is important to understand the symptoms to determine whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels are excessively high over time. This can lead to problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also harm the arteries in your heart and 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. This destruction can occur over months or even years before resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to maintain their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t using insulin as it should. 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 to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers need to treat their diabetes by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Diabetes in women symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races as well as ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of women suffering from diabetes is a rise in thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
In the case of diabetes it is when cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to 4 liters a day.
The men may also lose weight since their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are good choices. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar in them, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in normal levels. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes such as eating habits and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled on one medicine another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you pick the best medication for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.