Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people each year. It is caused when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and avoided or delayed with diet, exercise and medications. It is also crucial to understand the symptoms so you can determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when your pancreas stops making enough insulin, or fails to use it as well as it should.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies don’t make it work properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can lead to issues with your eyes, kidneys and feet. It can also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks insulin-producing pancreatic cells and destroys them. The destruction can take place over several years or even decades and eventually lead to an inability to produce insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body isn’t producing insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells where it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetes sufferers have to manage their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also need to take medication to manage their blood glucose levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
It is a chronic illness that affects people of all races, ethnicities and genders. Women are at higher risk than males.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to suffer from complications, such as heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and kidneys can’t remove it.
Diabetes in men: Symptoms
In diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they have to drink a lot of fluids.
Men may also lose weight as their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods.
Diabetes diet
The development of a healthy diabetes diet is a vital aspect of managing your diabetes. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, manage your weight, and lower heart disease risk factors.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, such as fruits vegetables, whole grains, beans and low-fat dairy. It should be free of saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may be advised to limit your consumption of drinks sweetened with sugar. These drinks are typically packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medication to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, like eating habits and physical activity to manage diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t well managed on one medication it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will guide you to select the right medicine for your preferences and needs.
Newer medications like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, offer cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They are also beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.