Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that is affecting millions of people each year. It is caused 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 treated and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medications. It is also crucial to be aware of the signs, to determine whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) health condition that affects how your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also referred to as sugar. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase with time in both forms of diabetes. This can cause problems with your feet, eyes, and kidneys. It may also cause damage to the arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic cells that produce insulin, and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades, eventually leading to a total lack of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not making the insulin it needs to. 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 for energy.
People suffering from type 2 diabetes need to treat their condition through a healthy diet and exercise. They also may need to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are more susceptible than males.
Women with diabetes are at a greater risk chance of developing complications compared to men, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your blood and kidneys can’t remove it.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is usually because the pancreas ceases to produce enough insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. Your body attempts to reduce these levels by flushing excess glucose out of your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids, up to four liters daily.
The men may also lose weight since their bodies use muscles for energy instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels stay high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet can be an essential part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, reduce your weight and heart disease risk factors.
Include whole foods in your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Also, low-fat dairy products such as beans, legumes, and beans are good choices. It should be free of saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You might need to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain a lot of sugar and can cause elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medication to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within the normal range. These medications are typically used with lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medication, you might need to take a different medication. Your doctor will assist you to choose the most appropriate medicine for your specific needs and preferences.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also useful for weight loss, and are available in tablet and injection forms.