Do you know that diabetes is a very serious disease?
However, here’s the good news: Diabetes can be managed. For this reason, knowing and understanding what it is and what causes it is the key towards managing it.
Diabetes: What Is It?
Diabetes is the disorder of the endocrine system and it happens when the blood sugar levels in the body is above normal and stays that way all the time.
Diabetes happens for two reasons. One, it can happen when the body is unable to make insulin, and this is called Type 1 Diabetes. Two, diabetes happens when the body does not respond to the effects of insulin, and this is called type 2 diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. It also allows the body to use sugar, also termed glucose, for energy.
There are also situations when diabetes emerges during pregnancy and this is called gestational diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes happens when the beta cells or the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas are damaged by the immune system. In this condition, people who have type 1 diabetes must use insulin injections in order to control their blood sugar.
Type 1 diabetes may happen at any age, but generally, people under 20 years old are the common sufferers of this type of diabetes.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes happens for two reasons: one is when the body continues to produce insulin but the insulin produced is not enough, and two is when the body is unable to recognize the insulin and use it properly. Without enough insulin, or when the insulin is not used as it should be, glucose fails to get into the body’s cells.
Is Type 2 Diabetes Preventable?
Yes, type 2 diabetes is preventable. How? Have your blood sugar tested and see how you fare. It may be that your sugar level is higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. This stage is generally referred to as the pre-diabetes stage. If you are in this stage, an improved lifestyle will normally put you in a much better position to totally avoid getting type 2 diabetes.
So what does it mean to live a healthy lifestyle? It means doing things differently, for the better. Below are the necessary changes people who are in the pre-diabetes stage must do to avoid developing type 2 diabetes.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
A healthy weight is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 – 25.
Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are rich with vitamins and minerals and they are low in calories. Daily intake of fruits and vegetables should be as generous as possible, but ideally, your plate per meal should be half-full with vegetables and fruits. For a healthier diet, 4 ½ cups of fruits and vegetables should be consumed every day.
Exercise Regularly.
This means you should exercise at least 2 1/2 hours every week. On a daily basis, this can easily be 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise done 5 days a week.
Diabetes is a serious disease that can greatly impact the quality of your life. So if you want to avoid developing type 2 diabetes, begin now to live a
