Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions of people every year. It happens when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or it can’t use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also essential to understand the symptoms so you can identify whether there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting) that alters how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or fails to utilize it in a proper manner.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin or are unable to use it properly.
The blood sugar levels rise as time passes in both types of diabetes. This can cause issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. This process can last for months or even for years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and levels of exercise to maintain their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body doesn’t make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells take blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
People with type 2 diabetes have to manage their condition by eating a balanced diet and regular exercise. They might also need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
One of the early warning signs of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes causes excessive sugar to accumulate in your blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to get rid of it effectively.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas is producing too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
Men can be able to experience weight loss too as their bodies break down muscle to make energy instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels stay elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
Developing a healthy diabetes diet is a key element in managing your condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight and reduce heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You might also want to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks often have high levels of sugar, which can lead to elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to help keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercising and diet to help control your diabetes.
If your blood sugar is not being adequately controlled with one medicine, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to select the most appropriate medication for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medicines, such as sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors and glucagon like antagonists of the peptide-1 receptors, lower blood sugar levels and provide benefits for the kidneys and cardiovascular system, while decreasing the chance of developing complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.