Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when it can’t use the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it can be treated and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It’s also important to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops making enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels get excessively high over time. This can cause problems with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It may also cause damage to the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can happen over months or even years and eventually lead to the complete absence of 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 activities to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that aids in the movement of glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and eat a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races and ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are more susceptible than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in the blood, and the kidneys aren’t able remove it effectively.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is usually because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids, as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may also lose weight because their bodies rely on muscles to generate energy, not fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet 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 comprise plenty of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may want to limit your intake of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to select the best medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.