Diabetes is a serious health condition that affects the body’s ability to produce insulin. When someone has diabetes, their cells are unable to absorb glucose, which is the primary source of energy for the human body. There are two types of diabetes - Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. The most common form of diabetes is Type 2 diabetes. Left untreated, diabetes can lead to many serious complications including blindness, kidney problems, heart disease and stroke. Scientists estimate that one in three adults will be diagnosed with diabetes by the year 2050. This means that over 174 million people could have diabetes by then.
Diabetic patient cannot produce or use insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels from the food you eat. Normal blood glucose levels are usually between 70 to 120 mg/dl, but with diabetes, they can be higher or lower than this range. When the body is given a glucose load, the pancreas releases insulin. Insulin, in turn, signals the cells to take up glucose from the blood. As long as insulin is able to perform this signal-transduction function, the result is euglycemia i,e. a normal level of sugar in the blood. But when the level of blood glucose becomes too high, the body stops the insulin release, resulting in hyperglycemia i,e. excess of sugar in the blood. Hyperglycemia can also occur in the absence of injected insulin. In this condition, the body is unable to use the glucose effectively. To compensate for this problem, the pancreas produces more insulin. This additional insulin, however, cannot properly handle the glucose load. As a result, the level of blood glucose increases and the pancreas must produce even more insulin. This condition is called secondary or reactive hyperglycemia which leads to a number of problems such as weight loss, thirst, hunger, frequent urination, blurry vision etc. Diabetes can lead to amputation, hospitalization or even death.
Some causes of diabetes :
~ Fructose.
Fructose can also cause insulin resistance, and this can lead to diabetes. Fructose is a sugar found in natural foods like sugar cane, maple syrup and honey. It is a highly processed food and is often found in sodas, cakes and cookies. The body converts fructose into fatty acids and triglycerides, which can lead to weight gain.
~ High-Fat Foods
High-fat foods such as eggs, honey, cream, and beef raise blood glucose levels. High-fat, sugar-laden snacks can also lead to insulin resistance and obesity. Eating more high-fat foods like eggs, cream, and beef can lead to weight gain and fat storage.
~ Lactose :
Lactose is the most common cause of health problems in the world. It can trigger gas and bloating, and it can also lead to diarrhea. Lactose is found in dairy products.
The Diabetes epidemic is on the rise and it's time we discuss what we need and how we can help.
Diabetes can be controlled, but only with care. The first step to controlling diabetes is to control what goes into the body. People with diabetes should follow a healthy lifestyle. A healthy diet is important because it helps your body to fight diabetes and maintain a healthy weight. The key is to eat a diet that is low in fat, rich in complex carbohydrates, and low in simple carbohydrates.
Diabetes can be treated with diet, exercise and weight loss. However, in some cases, medication is also required. Some helpful diets are mentioned below :
Cinnamon
Researchers have found that drinking a teaspoon of cinnamon three times a day can lower blood glucose levels by 11% after eight weeks. Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants and polyphenols that help the body to regulate glucose and fight inflammation.
Fiber
Fiber is the most important nutrient for diabetes treatment. It helps to regulate blood glucose levels. Diets high in fiber are known to reduce inflammation, and this can help to reduce the risk of disease. Fiber is also very easy to consume. You can find this in vegetables, fruits, brown rice, and whole-grain breads.
Other Advices :
- To combat insulin resistance we should consume a low-carb diet.
- We should eat a lower-fat diet.
- We should avoid sugary snacks and junk foods.
- We should avoid lactose that is usually found in dairy products.
Many people of India are unaware that they have diabetes. They don't know how to manage their condition, or are too embarrassed to seek screening. An alarming rate of diabetes has increased in minority communities due to the lack of awareness and education on this disease. The diabetes epidemic has crippled our economy since it usually impacts an individual's ability to work normal hours. Diabetes is on the rise, with increasing cases among children and adolescents.
A healthy diet and regular exercise can help manage diabetes, which is one of the world's leading causes of death. People should be more aware of the risks of diabetes. The need for awareness about diabetes is heightened by the statistics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the diabetes rate has increased by 63% since 1990. World Health Organization (WHO) called for a global strategy to reverse the diabetes epidemic that is sweeping the world.