Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It occurs because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also important to recognize the signs so you can determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause problems with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also harm the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This process can last for many months or even years, eventually resulting in a complete lack of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to maintain their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are more at risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and kidneys are unable to filter it out.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to reduce these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters per day.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole food items, including fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of drinks that are sweetened with sugar. These drinks typically contain lots of sugar and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes, such as exercising and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well controlled by one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will assist you to determine the most appropriate medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss, and come in both tablet and injection forms.