Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when your body isn’t producing enough insulin or it isn’t able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
Diet, exercise and medication can help to prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms to know what’s wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) disease that affects the way your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or their bodies cannot use it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high over time. This can lead to problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition and means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This process can take months or even years and eventually lead to the total absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition with a healthy diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects all races and ethnic groups age, genders, and ages. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of diabetes in women is a rise in thirst and urine, a condition known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to remove it.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
In diabetes, cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This usually happens because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty, and they have to drink plenty of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, control your weight, and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole food items, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened drinks you consume. These drinks often have lots of sugar which can result in high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medication, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you select the right medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications, such as sodium-glucose -cotransporter-2 inhibitors, and glucagon antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as decreasing the risk of developing complications. They also aid in weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.