Diabetes

Diabetes is a prevalent disease that is caused by a high blood glucose level. Those who have diabetes have trouble producing or properly using insulin, which means that glucose can’t get to their cells in an efficient manner. The result: the glucose stays in the blood and causes diabetes. Although the cause of diabetes remains a mystery, many factors, such as genetics, environmental factors, obesity and lack of exercise all appear to play a role in diabetes. Type of Diabetes There are three, basic types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational. • Type 1 diabetes, which is generally diagnosed at a young age, is often referred to as “insulin-dependant” diabetes. • Type 2 diabetes, also referred to as “adult onset” or “noninsulin dependant” diabetes, can occur at any age and is typically found in inactive or overweight persons. Those people with a family history of type 2 diabetes are also more likely to get the disease. Most people with diabetes (about 90 to 95 percent) have type 2 diabetes. • Gestational diabetes is diabetes brought on by pregnancy. Diabetes Symptoms Common signs of diabetes include thirst, frequent urination, a loss of weight, feeling tired or run down, dry, itchy skin, a tingling feeling or a loss of feeling in the feet, blurred vision and sores that do not heal quickly. It is important, however, to remember that many people with diabetes have no signs or symptoms! It is therefore vital to be tested for diabetes if you are over the age of 45. If left untreated, diabetes can cause serious damage to the heart, the kidneys, the eyes, the teeth and the nervous system. It can also result in death. Diabetes Treatment Many types of type 2 diabetes can be treated and controlled with a combination of diet and exercise, while type 1 diabetes involves insulin and/or oral medication therapy. Diabetes Diet A healthy diabetes diet will generally consist of a well-balanced diet of starches, fruits and vegetables, with sugar and sweets in moderation. Those individuals with diabetes should also focus on getting enough soluble fiber in their diet, as soluble fiber slows down or reduces the absorption of insulin. Most people with diabetes will also have a personalized diet plan set up by their doctor or dietician.