Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people each year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the progression of the disease. It’s important to be aware of symptoms to determine if something is wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects the way your body transforms food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops making enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise over time in both kinds of diabetes. This can cause issues in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can happen over several months or even years and eventually lead to an absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels in order to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body does not use insulin the way it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used as energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes 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 more prone to develop complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia can be a warning sign for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and kidneys are unable to filter it out.
Men with symptoms of diabetes
In the case of diabetes, cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. The body tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty, and they have to drink lots of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels stay high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be free of added sugars and saturated fats (unhealthy).
You may be advised to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to determine the best medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.