Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it’s unable to utilize the insulin it does have effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the disease. It is also crucial to be aware of the signs, so you can identify if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or is unable to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is known as glucose. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin, or their bodies can’t use it properly.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can lead to problems in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It can also cause damage to the heart and brain arteries as well as your brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition and means that your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The process of destruction can last for months or years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar levels within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that helps your cells move glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes have a greater chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women who suffer from diabetes. This is due to diabetes causing excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and your kidneys aren’t equipped to remove it correctly.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
In diabetes, cells are unable to make use of blood sugar (glucose) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. The body then attempts to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Patients with diabetes typically feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids, as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may be able to experience weight loss too as their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease the risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks often have lots of sugar in them and can cause 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 drugs are often paired with lifestyle changes, such as eating habits and physical activity to help manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed on one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you to choose the most appropriate medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, 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.