| If you have diabetes, you human body does not produce enough of a hormone called insulin, or you human body does not use insulin it has appropriately. Insulin helps the body use sugar (glucose) for energy. Left untreated, diabetes can cause blindness, nerve and blood vessel damage that brings on foot or leg amputation, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and death.
General practitioners distinguish two types of diabetes. Type 1 occurs when the body does not produce insulin at all. People with type 2 either lack insulin, or their cells disregard the insulin they have. Around 95% of people who have diabetes have type 2 diabetes. It is also known as "non-insulin dependent" diabetes.
KNOW YOUR RISK
If you gave birth to a child that weighed more than nine pounds and/or if you had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, you are also at risk of diabetes. Males and Females in their mid 40s and older are in the risk group, too. You are at high risk of type 2 diabetes, if members of your family had or are having it. Type 2 diabetes is much more frequently observed in ethnic minority groups.
If you have one or more the risk factors listed above, your general practitioner may want to begin regular diabetes screening. The earlier you discover you have diabetes, the more you and your medical practitioner can do to ensure you stay healthy.
ALTER WHAT YOU CAN
You cannot do anything to change your age, your ethnicity or your family history, but there are several factors you can take control of. The risk of developing diabetes also heightens if:
• You are obese.
• You do not take physical exercise on a regular basis.
• You have an unhealthy diet.
If you are aware that you are at high risk, making appropriate choices about what you eat and exercise can help you stay healthy. Studies have demonstrated that eating a highly nutritious diet and doing exercise can forestall or deter type 2 diabetes.
If you are obese, keep in mind that an undue weight gain is the single most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes. According to estimates, 80%- 90% of people with diabetes are corpulent. Losing weight and controlling it can help keep diabetes at bay. Eat a diversity of foods, including high-fiber foods, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Also, watch your portion.
Note that any amount of physical activity is a lot better than none. Ride an exercise bike while watching the evening news program or your favorite series. Most of all, make certain you take up an activity you like, so you will do it regularly.
By simply knowing your risk factors and getting into the habit of eating right and exercising, you can control your health. |
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