Diabetes is a disease where the body cannot properly produce or
use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that turns the foods you eat
into energy. If your body cannot turn food into energy, not only
will your cells be starved for energy, you will also build up
glucose (sugar) in your blood. This will lead you to have "high
blood glucose levels." Over years, the high blood glucose level
can damage major organs like your heart, eyes, and kidneys.
Types of Diabetes:
Type 1 Diabetes is caused by a total lack of insulin that, in
turn, produces high blood glucose levels. Type 1 is most often
is seen in children, but can develop in adults. If you have Type
1, your health care provider might recommend scheduled,
nutritious meals, exercise, medication, and frequent blood sugar
level tests.
Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough
insulin or cannot properly use insulin. This is the most common
type. The treatment may be similar to Type 1.
Pre Diabetes or Borderline Diabetes may occur before a Type 2
diagnosis. Blood glucose levels will be higher than normal. Good
nutrition and exercise may be recommended by your health care
provider as treatment for pre diabetes. Even a slightly high
blood sugar level is insidious and could affect major organs
over time.
Gestational Diabetes occurs in pregnant women that have high
blood glucose levels. This type of Diabetes can harm both Mother
and baby. If you have Gestational Diabetes, your health care
provider may prescribe meal plans, exercise, daily testing and
medicine.
Risk Factors:
The exact causes of Diabetes are still unknown. However,
heredity, obesity and lack of exercise may play a role. Here are
some general risk factors:
1. Your siblings or parents have diabetes. 2. You are more than
20% overweight. 3. You do not exercise. 4. You have had
gestational diabetes or you have had a baby over 9 lbs. 5. You
have high blood pressure. 6. Your cholesterol level is not
normal.
How to care for you Diabetes:
According to the American Diabetes Association, people with
Diabetes have the same nutritional needs as everyone else. In
addition to prescribed medications, well-balanced meals may help
you keep your blood glucose level as normal as possible.
Also, just like everyone else, exercise is an important part of
staying healthy. Exercising with diabetes does require a few
extra safety steps that your health care professional can make
you aware of.
Nutritious meals, an exercise routine, and using your
NutriCounter along with the help of your doctor may aid you in
controlling your Diabetes. Diabetes will never truly go away,
but with proper nutrition, exercise and prescribed medications,
it can be controlled.
For more information on specific exercise and eating advice for
diabetics, see the following web sites:
American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org
Canadian Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_Main/welcome.asp
Online Risk Test
http://www.diabetes.org/main/info/risk/risktest.jsp
Excellent article about Borderline Diabetes
http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/borderline.asp
Am I at risk for Type 2 Diabetes?
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/pubs/risk/risk.htm
Safety Tips for Exercising with Diabetes
http://www.diabetes.org/main/health/exercise/safety/25ways.jsp
About the author:
Come and visit the NutriCounter web site for more information on
how nutrition influences weight loss, diabetes, pregnancy, heart
disease and more! http://www.nutricounter.com
|
|
