Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that affects millions of people every year. It is caused because the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or fails to use the insulin that it produces effectively.
Exercise, diet and medications can help to prevent or delay the development of the disease. It is also important to understand the symptoms so you can tell whether you are suffering from a condition and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health issue that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin or fails to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or cannot use it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels are too high in time. This can lead to problems in the feet, eyes and kidneys. It could also cause damage to arteries in your heart and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. This process can last for months or even for years and eventually lead to an absence of insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food and activities to keep their blood sugar within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes your body may not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used as energy.
People with type 2 diabetes need to treat their diabetes with a healthy diet and exercise. They may also have to take medication to control their blood glucose levels.
Signs of women having diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects people of all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. Women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes are more prone to develop complications, including heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for diabetes in women. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood and kidneys are unable to remove it.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable to utilize glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This is typically because the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then attempts to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
Patients with diabetes are usually thirsty and require to drink lots of fluids.
Men can also experience weight loss since their muscles are broken down by their bodies for energy, instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels remain high for extended periods.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help control blood sugar levels, manage weight and decrease risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, including fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fats and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are usually packed with sugar, which can cause blood sugar levels to increase.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like exercise and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled on one medicine then a second medication could be added. Your doctor will assist you select the right medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar, have cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.