Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that affects millions each year. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or it’s not able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medication. It is also important to understand the symptoms so you can determine whether you have a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body turns food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it as effectively as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and use glucose, also referred to as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t use it properly.
In both forms of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become excessively high over time. This can cause issues with the eyes, feet, and kidneys. It may 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. The process of destruction can last for months or years until it eventually leads to the total absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes your body may not make use of insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used for energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes by consuming a balanced diet and exercise. They may also have to take medications to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. However women are at higher risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
One of the early signs of women suffering from diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and your kidneys are not able to eliminate it.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin.
This leads to high blood sugar levels. Your body will then try to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often are thirsty and have to drink large amounts of fluids, up to 4 liters a day.
The men may also lose weight since their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels are high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
Making a balanced diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your condition. It can help you control blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should include plenty of whole foods, such as fruits whole grains, vegetables as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may also consider limiting the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks are usually packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might recommend diabetic medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in the normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well controlled by one medicine, a second medicine might be added. Your doctor will help you choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss, and come in both tablets and injections.