Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions each year. It occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the symptoms so you can tell if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body transforms food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or isn’t able to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to use it correctly.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can lead to issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. 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 insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades and eventually lead to a total lack of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and activity levels to keep their blood sugar levels within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes, your body does not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, and genders. However women are at a higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One of the first signs of diabetes in women is increased thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
In diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently have a thirsty feeling and must drink large amounts of fluids. This can be up to four liters a day.
Men may also shed weight as their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the 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 foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You might also want to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks are typically high in sugar which can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like eating habits and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication another medicine could be added. Your doctor will assist you to choose the most appropriate medicine for your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and they are available in tablet and injection forms.