Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It is caused when the body fails to produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is important to understand the symptoms so you can identify whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use it properly.
Insulin is a hormone that helps cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is called glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels are too high over time. This can cause issues with the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the blood vessels in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which your 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 complete absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics need to take insulin every day. They also have to keep track of their blood glucose levels and adjust the levels of insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2, your body is not functioning as insulin should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics must exercise and eat a balanced diet. They may also need to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Women with diabetes are afflicted with symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnic groups as well as ages and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and loss of vision.
One early warning sign of women with diabetes is increased thirst and the frequency of urination, which is known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your blood and your kidneys are not able to filter it out.
Diabetes in men The signs and symptoms
Diabetes is a condition in which cells are not able to use glucose (blood sugar) as energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids. It can be as much as 4 liters a day.
Men may also experience weight loss because 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 balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce risk factors for heart disease.
You should include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products such as beans, legumes, and beans are good choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might be advised to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are usually high in sugar, which 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 medications are typically paired with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medicine, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will assist you to choose the most appropriate medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications, like sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like peptide-1 receptor antagonists, lower blood sugar and offer benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, as well as reducing the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.