Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms to be able to tell what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can lead to issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin and destroys them. The destruction can take place over many years or months until it eventually leads to a total lack of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar levels within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to develop complications, like heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women who suffer from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and kidneys are unable to eliminate it.
The signs of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is an important part of managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
It is important to include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products, beans, and legumes are good choices. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might want to limit your intake of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as physical activity and diet, to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medication, you might need to add a second medication. Your doctor will assist you select the right medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and they come in both tablet and injection forms.