Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It’s important to be aware of symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels get too high in time. This can cause problems with your feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also damage your heart arteries and 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 happen over months or even years until it leads to an absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of exercise to maintain their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also have to take medication to regulate their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your blood and your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This results in high blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and need to drink plenty of fluids.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole food items, including fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be low in added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks usually contain plenty of sugar which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in an acceptable range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as exercising and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar levels and are beneficial for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and come in both tablets and injections.