Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the development of the disease. It’s also crucial 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) disease that affects how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high in time. This can lead to problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The destruction can take place over several months or even years and eventually lead to the absence of insulin completely.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also have to keep track of 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 have type 2, your body is not producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. Women are more at risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, including heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and kidneys can’t remove it.
Diabetes in men Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. The body tries to lower these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, as much as four liters a day.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that the blood sugar level stays high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help manage blood sugar levels control weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, such as fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may want to limit your intake of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are usually packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are usually combined with changes in lifestyle, like exercise and diet to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled on one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will guide you to pick the best medication to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss and are available in tablet and injection forms.