Diabetes occurs when the level of Glucose (sugar) in the blood is higher than normal. Glucose is the body’s main source source of energy and is derived from the food we eat.
As food is digested, insulin (a hormone produced by a gland called the pancreas) is released into the blood stream and allows glucose to enter the body’s muscle, fat and liver cell. This is how insulin helps to control blood sugar levels.
There are two main types of diabetes:
•Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes develops when the pancreas stops producing insulin.
This type of diabetes often develops in children or young adults. insulin injections are required from the start with this type of diabetes.
•Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes develops when your body cannot use insulin properly – this is called ‘insulin resistance’. As the glucose cannot enter the cells of the body, the amount in the blood stays high. This causes health problems and complications.
This type of diabetes (Type 2) usually appears in middle age or elderly. People who are overweight are particularly likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. It also tends to run in some families medical history and is very common in Asian and African- Caribbean communities. It is also becoming more prevalent in some Arabic communities with more westernized diets and lazy exercise ethics such as the UAE (United arab Emirates).
How exactly does insulin work?.
If we begin to think of insulin as a key to opening the door of a cell to let glucose enter….the lock then begins to not work properly, when you have insulin resistance. This means that the glucose cannot enter the cell.
Insulin Sensitive:
When the body is insulin sensitive it unlocks the door and glucose enters the door
Insulin Resistant:
When the body is insulin resistant, the lock is faulty and insulin has difficulty in unlocking the door to let the glucose in. Glucose stays in the bloodstream!
May I have a mild type of diabetes?
There is no such thing as a mild type of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition, which can lead to life threatening problems (complications) such as heart disease or stroke, if not kept under control.
Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage your blood vessels and nerves. This can increase your risk of developing a number of serious health problems.
What can I do to prevent and maintain my body, or to lower or cancel the risk of contracingt type 2 diabetes?.
•You can stay in control of your diabetes by eating balanced , healthy meals, being active and getting sound dietary advice from a therapist, nutritionist or someone that specializes specifically in the field of diabetes.
•Regular checks of blood glucose levels.
•Eat healthy balanced meals, low in fat, high in fibre, fruit and vegetables. Avoid foods high in sugar, or fat and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
•Lose weight now!
•Lower HDL cholesterol Trans-Fatty foods, Hydrogenated fats (Crisps, biscuits cakes)
•Increase LDL Cholesterol, Polyunsaturated (omega 3 and 6) and Monounsaturated (Omega 9) intake.
•Be active – take a walk instead of the car, 30 minutes of elevated heart function is the minimum recommended daily exercise.
