What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a medical condition that occurs when the body does not correctly produce enough insulin. Insulin is what our bodies use to change the sugar and starch from the food we eat into energy that keeps us going.
National Institute of Health studies found that a combination of diet and exercise cuts the risk of developing diabetes by 58%. Cutting 500 calories per day is “safe for someone with diabetes.” Ideal: 50% carbs, 30% fat, 20% protein.
There are four types of diabetes:
Pre-Diabetes – This happens when the glucose level in your blood is high, but not high enough to be considered Type 2 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes –This is what happens when your body does not produce its insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes – occurs when your pancreas produces more insulin than it should. After a time, the pancreas cannot maintain such a high level of insulin production, and eventually, it will begin to make less or stop making insulin altogether.
Gestational Diabetes: – This condition affects only pregnant women who have high blood sugar levels due to their pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes can cause either high or low blood sugar.
The symptoms of high blood sugar are dizziness, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and increased urination.
The symptoms of low blood sugar are weakness, sweating, feeling jittery, rapid heartbeat, and hunger.
Many people show no symptoms and therefore, are unaware that they have the disease.
How do I know if I have Diabetes?
In a physical exam, your doctor will do a complete medical history and routine tests to see if you have any conditions that may indicate the beginnings of diabetes. If you have the symptoms of diabetes, your doctor will do a special blood test to determine if you have the disease. There are two types of tests. A Fasting Glucose Test (FGT) or an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) can show if you are diabetic. Because the FPG is faster and less expensive, It is usually the test doctors prefer.
What are the Treatments for Diabetes?
In many cases, diabetes can be controlled with diet and exercise. Sometimes, medication is necessary to regulate your blood sugar level. Your doctor will advise you on the need for medication.
Monitoring your blood sugar levels is an important part of treatment. A balanced, healthy diet is very important in managing diabetes. Your diet should include lean meat and fish, whole grains, and vegetables. It is wise to limit alcohol consumption too. All of this contributes to helping you control the number of carbohydrates in your system. Carbohydrates have the greatest effect on blood sugar levels. Losing any extra pounds will also help you to manage your condition.
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