Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people each year. It is caused when the body does not produce enough insulin or make use of the insulin it does have effectively.
The good news is that it is curable and prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to recognize the signs so you can identify if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition (long-lasting), which alters the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or is unable to use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that aids your body absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics aren’t producing enough insulin, or their bodies aren’t able to utilize it effectively.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels become too high over time. This can lead to issues in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It could also harm your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an autoimmune reaction which means that your immune system attacks the pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. The process of destruction can last for several years or even decades, eventually leading to an inability to produce insulin.
People suffering from type 1 diabetes require insulin every day. They must also monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 the body isn’t using insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormone that helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells, where it can be used as energy.
People with type 2 diabetes must treat their condition by consuming a balanced diet and regular exercise. They may also have to take medicine to control their blood sugar levels.
Women with diabetes are more likely to experience symptoms
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a greater likelihood of developing complications than men, including heart disease (the most frequent complication of diabetes) and vision loss.
One of the early signs of women with diabetes is increased thirst and urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is because diabetes can create excess sugar in your blood and kidneys can’t eliminate it.
The signs of diabetes in men
In diabetes the cells are unable to use blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
This can result in high blood glucose levels. Your body will then try to lower the levels by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream through urine.
Diabetes patients are often thirsty, and they need to drink lots of fluids.
Men can also lose weight because their bodies rely on muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar level remains high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you manage your blood sugar levels, control your weight, and reduce the risk of heart disease by reducing risk factors.
Your diet should consist of a wide range of whole foods, such as fruits vegetables, whole grains beans, low-fat dairy and legumes. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might be advised to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks usually contain a lot of sugar in them and can cause high blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to help you manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels aren’t controlled on one medicine it is possible that a different medicine will be added. Your doctor will assist you to choose the best medicine for your requirements and preferences.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists for peptide-1 as well as sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, offer kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and reduce the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in tablet and injectable forms.