Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It happens because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to be able to tell if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body turns food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops making enough insulin, or fails to use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies are unable to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It can also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. The destruction can take place over several years or even decades until it eventually leads to a total lack of insulin.
Insulin is a requirement for people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, where it can be utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They might also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to suffer from complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot eliminate it.
The signs of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes are typically thirsty, and need to drink a lot of fluids.
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 levels remain high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may be advised to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain high levels of sugar which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to select the most appropriate medicine to meet your needs and preferences.
The latest medications, including sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon-like antagonists for the peptide-1 receptor, decrease blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the chance of developing complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.