Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by elevated levels of blood glucose (sugar), either due to inadequate production of insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar) or the body’s inability to use insulin effectively. There are three main types of diabetes:

  1. Type 1 Diabetes: This type of diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy to regulate their blood sugar levels.
  2. Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for the majority of cases. It occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history, and certain ethnic backgrounds.
  3. Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth. It occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands of pregnancy, leading to high blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes increases the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby, but with proper management, most women with gestational diabetes can have healthy pregnancies and babies.

Common symptoms of diabetes may include:

  • Increased thirst and urination
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Slow-healing wounds or infections
  • Unexplained weight loss (in type 1 diabetes)
  • Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
  • Recurring infections, such as yeast infections or urinary tract infections

If left untreated or poorly managed, diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, vision loss, and complications during pregnancy.

Diabetes Causes;

  1. High Sugar Intake: Consuming excessive amounts of sugary foods and beverages, such as sodas, candies, pastries, and sweetened snacks, can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to insulin resistance over time.
  2. Refined Carbohydrates: Foods high in refined carbohydrates, such as wheat and its products such as both brown and white bread, potato, biscuits, pie, pizza, pasta white rice, pasta, and sugary cereals, are quickly broken down into glucose, causing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Overconsumption of refined carbohydrates can contribute to insulin resistance.
  3. High Glycemic Index (GI) Foods: Foods with a high glycemic index, such as Wheat…brown and white bread, potatoes, and sugary snacks, cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels after consumption. Regular consumption of high GI foods can contribute to insulin resistance and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
  4. Unhealthy Fats: Diets high in saturated fats and trans fats, found in fried foods, meats, processed meats products, eggs, milk, baked goods, and fatty dairy products, can contribute to insulin resistance and increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.
  5. Low Fiber Intake: Insufficient intake of dietary fiber, found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, can lead to rapid spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to insulin resistance. Fiber helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream and promotes satiety, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.
  6. Caloric Intake: Consuming more calories such as honey, sugar than the body needs, leading to weight gain and obesity, is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Overeating can also contribute to insulin resistance and impair glucose metabolism.
  7. Lack of Variety in Diet: Diets lacking in diverse nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies and metabolic imbalances that may contribute to diabetes risk.
  8. Lack of exercise –Walk for at least 45 minutes, rebounder is another fantastic exercise.
  9. Rest- sleep from 9am to 2am daily
  10. Avoid alcohol beverages, Caffeine(tea, coffee, coco, chocolate) and and Tobacco

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *