Early Diabetes Cure - Treat Diabetes with Diet and Medication

Diabetes is a disorder that can be controlled through constant monitoring, healthy diet and regular exercising. Learn more about how to control diabetes…

Diabetes is a disorder caused by the inability of the body to control the amount of sugar in the blood. The body is unable to utilize blood glucose due to inadequate amounts of insulin produced by the pancreas in the body.

Types of Diabetes

The three major classifications of Diabetes are Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 1 Diabetes

Also known as insulin-dependent Diabetes, it is an auto-immune disease where the body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This type of Diabetes, accounts for 10-15 % of affected people, is triggered by environmental factors such as viruses, diet or chemicals in people genetically predisposed to it. People wit Type 1 Diabetes need to inject insulin before every meal in a day and follow a rigorous diet and exercise plan.

Type 2 Diabetes

Also known as late-onset Diabetes, it is primarily genetic in origin, but lifestyle factors such as excess weight, inactivity, previous history of gestational diabetes, high blood pressure and a poor diet are major risk factors for its development. When type 2 Diabetes is diagnosed, the pancreas is usually producing enough insulin, but for some unknown reason, the body cannot use the insulin effectively. The symptoms develop gradually and are fatigue or nausea, frequent urination, unusual thirst, sudden weight loss, blurred vision and slow healing of wounds.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational Diabetes develops only during pregnancy and occurs among women with a family history of diabetes. Women with gestational diabetes are prone to develop type 2 Diabetes within 5 to 10 years.

Treat Diabetes with proper diet and exercise!

Lifestyle changes make a significant impact in controlling Diabetes to a large extent. Proper diet and exercise plays a momentous role in controlling Blood Glucose levels, blood fats and blood pressure. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs as a result of combination of problems with insulin resistance and insulin secretion. Diet and exercise helps combat both problems. People who are overweight with minimum levels of activity are prone to insulin resistance as opposed to lean people who remain active and exercise regularly.

The exact opposite of insulin resistance is insulin sensitivity. When the body is sensitive to insulin, it requires less insulin to control blood glucose levels. This can be achieved in a number of ways such as:

• Increasing the daily level of activity
• Reducing the number of calories intake
• Losing weight
• By control with drugs

How does food affect glucose levels and insulin?

Simple carbohydrates are easily converted into glucose as their molecular structure breaks down faster in the stomach and small intestine. As a result, these carbs raise glucose levels in the bloodstream rapidly. Consequently, diabetics or people with excessively high blood-glucose level can control and manage their glucose levels by using the Glycemic Index (GI). The Glycemic Index classifies foods into high, intermediate and low GI foods based on how fast their carbohydrate is converted into glucose, and thus how quickly the particular food raises our blood-glucose levels. Hence, the glycemic value is an important indicator of determining insulin levels and sensitivity in our bodies.

The Ideal Diet for Diabetics

A good diet plays a vital role in controlling Diabetes. People with Type 1 Diabetes should have a diet that has approximately 35 calories per kg of body weight per day. While people with Type 2 Diabetes are generally put on a 1500-1800 calorie diet per day to promote weight loss and for maintenance of ideal body weight. This varies from one individual to another, based on varying factors like age, sex, activity level, current weight and body type. It is most important for diabetics to understand the dynamics of carbohydrate counting to facilitate controlled blood sugar levels through proper diet. A dietitian or nutritionist will suggest a high fiber diet and evaluate daily calorie need for each individual and suggest the right diet plan. Make it a point to spread foods throughout the day instead of consuming all at the same time.

Diabetes is a life-long disease which can be well under control by making lifestyle changes, regular exercises and a healthy high fiber diet. Do not live in fear, take charge of your life and transform your life into a healthy and confident life through subtle changes that may go a long way in changing your outlook – for the better!