Food is one of God’s greatest gift to man. Who wouldn’t resist eating that box of delicious, mouth-watering chocolate or munching that big, juicy burger? Eating food is one of the most delightful things to do. But too much of everything is bad. Too much eating can result to diabetes. What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a type of metabolic disease in which an individual has very high blood sugar level. It can either be due to the body not producing enough insulin or the cells no longer respond to the insulin being produced. What is insulin anyway?
Well, insulin is a type of hormone produced in the pancreas that helps convert starch, sugar and carbohydrates into energy. Insulin is important in maintaining and controlling blood sugar levels.
Once the body has excess blood sugar levels, you will most likely experience frequent urination or polyuria. You will also experience being frequently thirsty and hungry most of the time. These symptoms already indicate diabetes.
Diabetes can happen to anyone. People from all size and ages can get this disease. Although studies show that this can be hereditary. People who are obese can also most likely contract this disease. Having a sedentary lifestyle can also contribute to diabetes that is why having an active lifestyle is recommended.
There are three types of diabetes. Here are the following:
1. Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus
This type of diabetes is due to the body’s failure to produce insulin. A person with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus requires insulin to be injected in the body either once or twice in a day. Insulin injections such as NPH insulin or synthetic insulin analog are injection into the bloodstream.
2. Non- Insulin Dependent Diabetes or Adult- Type Diabetes
This is a milder form of diabetes. Almost 80% of diabetics around the world fall under this type. This happens when the body does not effectively respond to insulin. People who became diabetic after they reached the age of 40 are usually diagnosed under this category. Treatment for this type includes a low calorie diet and oral anti-diabetic drugs are administered.
3. Gestational Diabetes
Pregnant women who experience high glucose levels during their pregnancy fall under this category.
So, how can you make sure that the disease is manageable? Here are guidelines to follow to make sure that your diabetes is closely monitored:
1. Check your blood sugar levels regularly.
It is important to check your glucose levels before meals and before you to go to sleep at night.
2. Maintain a well- balanced diet.
Fresh fruit and vegetables are rich sources of vitamins and minerals that give you energy throughout the day.
3. Stick to your treatment schedule.
Take your insulin injections or oral anti-diabetic drugs on time or as prescribed by your doctor to prevent your sugar levels from shooting up.
Diabetes is manageable if you follow your prescribed treatment plan. Sticking well to your diet will help keep your sugar levels at a normal rate. Always remember that prevention is always better than cure.