Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to determine the signs of a problem and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing 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 called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it in a proper way.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels can become excessively high over time. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It could also cause damage to coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or years until it eventually leads to an inability to produce insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of exercise to maintain their blood sugar within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are at greater risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to experience complications, such as heart disease (the most common complication associated with diabetes), and vision loss.
One early warning sign of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urination, called polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. The body tries to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and they have to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can also lose weight as their bodies rely on muscles for energy instead of fat. This is because blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a key element in managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce the risk factors that can lead to heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods like fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks typically contain plenty of sugar in them, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor can help you pick the best medication for your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower 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 tablet and injectable forms.