Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions of people each year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can help prevent or delay the onset of the disease. It is also essential to be aware of the signs, so you can tell whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or is unable to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, which is known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes aren’t able to make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels can become excessively high over time. This can lead to issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also harm your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition which 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, eventually leading to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar in a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not utilize insulin in the way it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used for energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a balanced diet. They might also need to take medication to control their blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience complications, like 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 result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream, and your kidneys cannot remove it.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
In the case of diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This leads to elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are frequently thirsty, and they need to drink a lot of fluids.
Men may also experience weight loss as their bodies break down muscle to make energy, instead of fat. This is because their blood sugar levels are high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, manage your weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should comprise plenty of whole foods, such as fruits, whole grains, vegetables beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may be advised to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks often have plenty of sugar which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within an acceptable range. These medications are usually combined with changes in lifestyle, like diet and physical activity, to help manage the condition.
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 choose the most appropriate medication for your needs and preferences.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and come in both tablets and injections.