Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when your body isn’t producing enough insulin, or it can’t use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It’s also crucial to be aware of symptoms to know what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health issue (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when the pancreas stops producing enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, which is called glucose. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels are too high in time. This can cause issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also damage your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells within the pancreas. The destruction can take place over months or years and eventually lead to the total absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also have to keep track of their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes the body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells get blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used to create energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition by eating a balanced diet and exercise. They might also need to take medication to manage their blood sugar levels.
Signs of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to suffer from complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes causes excess sugar to build up in the blood and your kidneys don’t have the capacity to filter it out properly.
Men with diabetes Men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This results in elevated blood sugar levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People with diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large quantities of fluids. It can be as much as four 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 because blood sugar levels remain high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet with a low-carbohydrate diet can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, control your weight, and reduce heart disease risk factors.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Also, dairy products that are low in fat products, beans, and legumes are good choices. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may also need to limit the amount of drinks that contain sugar you consume. These drinks typically contain a lot of sugar in them that can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor might prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with lifestyle changes like eating habits and exercise to manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t being well managed by one medication then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will help you choose the best medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss, and are available in tablets and injections.