Diabetes is a metabolic disease that prevents the body from producing enough insulin which causes elevated levels of glucose in the blood. According to the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation, this disease take more lives than AIDS and breast cancer combined. People who are diagnosed with diabetes can become blind, amputees and are at a high risk of kidney and heart failure and strokes.
There is two types of diabetes that people can be diagnosed with: Type I or Type II.
Type I is commonly known as “juvenile” diabetes because it usually develops in children and teenagers, though it can develop at any age. The body’s immune system attacks part of its own pancreas, and scientist do not know why this happens. Many have to have insulin therapy daily which is normally in the form of injections. Many factors play a part in management, including:
- Food
- Exercise
- Stress
- Emotions and general health
Type II is commonly know as “adult onset” diabetes and typically develops after the age of 35. Out of all the patients diagnosed with diabetes type II cases are approximately 90%. This type is non-insulin dependent, and the person can produce some of their own insulin. These people are generally overweight and have a sedentary lifestyle. The treatment focus is on making changes to diet and exercise, and medications.
Managing diabetes is not easy and presents challenges every day. Many variables have to be monitored and the choices people make can determine whether they will be affect later in life.
If you think you have a predisposition to diabetes, here are some things to consider starting now:
- Meal planning: eat 3 main meals with light snacks in between
- Eat foods with natural sugars instead of processed sugars
- Learn the facts about the foods you are eating
- Exercise regularly
- Drink lots of water
Diabetes does not have a cure, but researchers are doing lots of studies to help prevent diabetes and helping to provide better care plans for people with diabetes to prevent devastating complications.