Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot make use of the insulin it has effectively.
Exercise, diet and medication can all help in preventing or delaying the disease. It is important to be aware of the signs, so you can identify if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is an ongoing (long-lasting) disease that affects how your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas does not produce enough insulin or isn’t able to properly use it.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. People with type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin, or their bodies can’t utilize it correctly.
In both types of diabetes, blood sugar levels can become excessively high over time. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It could also cause damage to blood vessels in your heart as well as the brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease which means that the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This process can take months or years and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
Type 1 diabetics must take insulin each day. They must also monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust their food, insulin and activity levels to keep their blood glucose within an acceptable range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you have type 2 diabetes the body does not make insulin as it should. Insulin is a hormonal substance that assists your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells, which is then utilized to generate energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and adhere to a healthy diet. They might also need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects people of all races, ethnic groups, ages, and genders. However women are at greater risk than men.
Women with diabetes have a higher chance of developing complications compared to men, including heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is one of the warning signs for women suffering from diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to build up in your blood, and your kidneys cannot eliminate it.
Men with diabetes: Symptoms
Diabetes is a condition where cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) to generate energy. This is typically due to the fact that the pancreas produces insufficient insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People suffering from diabetes frequently are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters daily.
Men may also experience weight loss since their bodies break down muscle for energy instead of fat. This is due to the fact that their blood sugar levels stay high for long periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A healthy diabetes diet is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar levels, reduce your weight and risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole food items, including fruits whole grains, vegetables, beans and low-fat dairy. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You might also need to limit the amount of sugar-sweetened beverages you consume. These drinks are often packed with sugar and can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
Diabetes medications
Your doctor may suggest diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels in a normal range. These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes, like diet and physical activity, to manage the condition.
If your blood sugar is not well controlled with one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will guide you to determine the most appropriate medicine to suit your preferences and needs.
Newer medications such as glucagon-like receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, have kidney and cardiovascular benefits and lower the risk of complications. They’re also helpful for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.