Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious illness that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or when it isn’t able to use the insulin it does produce effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be prevented or delayed with diet, exercise and medication. It is also important to be aware of the signs, to determine if there is a problem and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting), which impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to properly use it.
Insulin is a hormone that assists cells absorb and utilize sugar, also known as glucose. Type 2 diabetics do not produce enough insulin or are unable to use it properly.
In both types of diabetes, the blood sugar levels get too high over time. This can cause problems with the eyes, kidneys and feet. It may also damage your heart arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune disease in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The destruction can take place over several years or even decades before eventually resulting in the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by those with type 1 diabetes all day. They must also keep an eye on their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to maintain their blood sugar 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 hormonal substance that aids your cells in moving glucose (blood sugar) from your blood into your cells which can then be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics should exercise and eat a balanced diet. They also may need to take medications to manage their blood sugar levels.
The signs of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, ages and genders. However, women are at a greater risk than men.
Women who suffer from diabetes are more likely to experience complications, including heart disease (the most frequent diabetes-related complication), and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can result in excess sugar accumulation in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to remove it.
The signs of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a disease in which cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) as energy source. This is usually due to the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This causes high blood sugar levels. The body then attempts to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose in your bloodstream via urine.
People with diabetes frequently feel thirsty and need to drink large amounts of fluids, up to four liters a day.
Men can also experience weight loss because their bodies break down muscle for energy, instead of fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels are elevated for long periods.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes can be a key part of managing the condition. It can help you control blood sugar, control your weight, and reduce the risk of developing heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods like fruits vegetables, whole grains as well as beans and dairy that is low in fat. It should also be low in saturated (unhealthy) fat and added sugars.
You may need to limit your consumption of beverages sweetened with sugar. These drinks are often high in sugar and can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may recommend diabetes medications to help keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a normal range. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes like exercising and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being adequately controlled with one medicine, you may need to add a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to choose the best medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike receptor antagonists for peptide-1 and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors lower blood sugar levels, provide cardiovascular and kidney benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They also aid in weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.