Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious condition that is affecting millions of people each year. It occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it produces effectively.
The good news is that it is treatable and can be treated or delayed through diet, exercise and medications. It’s also crucial to be aware of the symptoms to know if something is wrong and get treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic illness (long-lasting), which affects the way your body converts food into energy. It occurs when your pancreas stops producing enough insulin or can’t use it as efficiently as it should.
Insulin is a hormone that assists your cells absorb and use sugar, also known as glucose. People suffering from type 2 diabetes don’t make enough insulin or their bodies aren’t able to make it in a proper way.
The blood sugar levels increase over time in both types of diabetes. This can cause problems in the kidneys, eyes and feet. It can also damage the coronary arteries and brain.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is a disease caused by an autoimmune reaction, which means that your immune system attacks pancreatic insulin-producing cells and destroys them. The destruction can take place over several years or even decades and eventually lead to the complete absence of insulin.
People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin each day. They also need to monitor their blood sugar levels and adjust their insulin, food, and levels of activity to keep their blood sugar within a healthy 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 helps your cells to remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used as energy.
Type 2 diabetics need to exercise and follow a healthy diet. They may also have to take medication to regulate their blood glucose levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in women
It is a chronic illness that affects people from all races, ethnicities, and genders. However, women are at a higher risk than males.
Women with diabetes are more prone to suffer from complications, such as heart disease (the most common diabetes-related complication) and loss of vision.
One of the first signs of women with diabetes is a higher thirst and increased urinary frequency, also known as polydipsia. This is due to diabetes causing excess sugar to build up in the blood, and the kidneys aren’t able remove it correctly.
Symptoms of diabetes in men
Diabetes is a condition that occurs when cells are unable use glucose (blood sugar) for energy. This usually happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin.
This causes elevated blood sugar levels. Your body will then attempt to lower the level by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream through urine.
People who have diabetes often are thirsty and have to drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to 4 liters a day.
Men also may shed weight as 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 diet for diabetes is a crucial aspect of managing your condition. It can help regulate blood sugar levels and weight, as well as reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should include plenty of whole food items, including fruits whole grains, vegetables beans, and low-fat dairy. It should be low in saturated fats and sugars as well as added sugars (unhealthy).
You may need to limit your consumption of sweetened drinks with sugar. These drinks are usually packed with sugar which can cause blood sugar levels in the body to increase.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications to keep your blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within normal levels. These medicines are usually combined with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and diet to help manage your diabetes.
If your blood sugar levels are not being controlled by one medication, you may require a second medication. Your doctor will work with you to select the most appropriate medication for your requirements and preferences.
Newer drugs like glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonists and sodium-glucose COtransporter-2 inhibitors decrease blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits and reduce the risk of complications. They also help with weight loss and are available in tablets and injections.