Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition which affects millions of people every year. It is caused when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also crucial to be aware of the signs, so you can identify whether you have 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 occurs when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin, or fails to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels get too high over time. This can cause problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also cause damage to your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction can happen over months or even for years and eventually lead to a complete lack of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activities to keep their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races and ethnicities, ages, and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to suffer from complications, like heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the bloodstream and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to eliminate it correctly.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently experience thirst and require to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men also may shed weight as their bodies make use of muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is an important part of managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar, manage your weight, and lower risk factors for heart disease.
Include whole foods in your diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products and legumes are a good choice. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also consider limiting the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are usually high in sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within an acceptable range. These drugs are often paired with changes in lifestyle, like diet and physical activity, to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled by one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will guide you to choose the best medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.