Facts About Diabetes
by Hana Jacovado
http://www.facediabetes.com
Diabetes is a common disease - In the US for example, it is
estimated that over eighteen million Americans are suffers,
and that almost a third of them are unaware they are
diabetic. Diabetes is associated with a lack of insulin or
with problems that the body has in using insulin. Insulin
is what our body uses to turn our food into the energy we
need, so any problems here can clearly have serious
consequences. Anyone who thinks they might be diabetic
should go talk to their physician. Below are a few
important facts about the disease.
You will hear reference to two categories of diabetes:
Type 1 and Type 2. They are similar in some ways, but
very different in others. Treatments also vary between the
two types.
So how do we recognise Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is the type of diabetes that can be
developed by children or young people. This type is often
genetic and it occurs when the pancreas does not produce
insulin. This failing happens when the immune system has
created antibodies that attack and wipe out the beta cells
that produce insulin. Without insulin, glucose remains in
the blood and is not transferred to the cells where it is
needed to provides the fuel our bodies need. It is
important to treat this type of diabetes - without
treatment the high levels of glucose remaining in the body
would cause a diabetic coma. Therefore a person suffering
from Type 1 diabetes needs to inject insulin regularly to
avoid serious problems.
By contrast Type 2 diabetes is developed later in life.
Most people who have diabetes will have this type. Although
it is still not known what causes Type 2 diabetes, like
Type 1 it can also be genetic, and some ethnic groups are
more predisposed than others. However other things such as
a sedentary lifestyle, being very overweight, and simply
getting older, also play a part. Rather than attacking and
destroying the beta cells, this type of diabetes makes it
difficult for body to take up the insulin that is created.
However, the good thing about this type of diabetes is that
it can be prevented by a more healthy lifestyle such as a
balanced diet, taking regular exercise and controlling body
weight.
Why is exercise so important? It actually helps to keep
blood glucose low and enables the body to react
appropriately to the insulin that is generated. Other
benefits include elimination of stress, improved
circulation and lower cholesterol levels. In fact,
proper diet and exercise alone are sometimes treatment
enough for Type 2 diabetes.
Diets rich is complex carbohydrates such as fruits,
vegetables and whole grains are believed in help in the
prevention of diabetes. For people with diabetes however,
it is important to be aware of the effect of all foods on
the disease, as some carbohydrates are broken down
differently and effect glucose levels in different ways. If
in doubt diabetics can refer to the glycemic index (usually
called GI index) which provides information on all foods
and their likely effect.
Finally, consume fiber, which has been shown to keep down
glucose levels and is healthy for just about everyone.
Opt for healthy oils and fats like olive oil rather than
saturated fats, such as animal fat. Eating healthy will
help to prevent cardiovascular disease, for which
diabetes patients are at increased risk.
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