Diabetes – What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a serious disease that affects millions each year. It happens when the body is unable to produce enough insulin or cannot use the insulin that it has effectively.
The good news is that it can be cured and can be prevented or delayed by diet, exercise and medication. It is also essential to be aware of symptoms so you can tell what’s wrong and seek treatment.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic health problem (long-lasting) that impacts the way your body converts food into energy. It happens when the pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or is unable to use it properly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps your body to absorb and utilize glucose, also known as sugar. Type 2 diabetics don’t produce enough insulin, or their bodies are unable to use it correctly.
In both forms of diabetes, blood sugar levels are too high in time. This can cause problems in the feet, eyes, and kidneys. It could also harm your brain and heart arteries.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cell in the pancreas. The destruction can happen over many months or even years until it leads to the complete absence of insulin.
Insulin is required by people who suffer from type 1 diabetes each day. They also need to monitor their blood glucose levels and adjust food, insulin and activity levels in order to keep their blood glucose within the healthy range.
Type 2 diabetes
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, your body is not making the insulin it needs to. Insulin is a hormone which helps your cells remove blood sugar (glucose) out of your blood and into your cells so that it can be used to create energy.
Type 2 diabetics have to exercise and adhere to a healthy 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 with diabetes have a greater likelihood of developing complications than men, such as heart disease (the most commonly reported diabetes complication) and vision loss.
Polydipsia is a sign of warning for women with diabetes. This is because diabetes can cause excess sugar to accumulate in your bloodstream and your kidneys are not able to remove it.
The signs of diabetes in men
In diabetes the cells are unable make use of blood sugar (glucose) to produce energy. This is usually because the pancreas produces too little insulin.
This can lead to high blood glucose levels. Your body then tries to lower these levels by flushing the excess glucose from your bloodstream via urine.
People who have diabetes often have a thirsty feeling and must drink large quantities of fluids. This can be up to four liters daily.
Men may also lose weight as their bodies make use of muscle for energy rather than fat. This is due to their blood sugar levels remain high for prolonged periods of time.
Diabetes diet
A balanced diet for diabetes is an important aspect of managing the condition. It can help manage blood sugar levels, manage weight and reduce risk factors for heart disease.
Your diet should consist of plenty of whole foods, including fruits, whole grains, vegetables 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 usually contain plenty of sugar in them which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
Diabetes medication
Your doctor may prescribe diabetes-related medications to keep your blood sugar (glucose) levels within a normal range. These medications are typically combined with changes in lifestyle, like physical activity and diet, to help manage the condition.
If your blood sugar levels are not well controlled with one medicine, you may need to take a different medication. Your doctor can help you choose the best medicine for your personal preferences and needs.
Newer medicines like glucagon-like receptor agonists, peptide-1, and sodium-glucose inhibitors that lower blood sugar levels, provide kidney and cardiovascular benefits, and lower the risk of complications. They can also be beneficial for weight loss and are available in injectable and tablet forms.