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Understanding Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes was once called adult onset diabetes. However, it can strike anyone, and recently there has been a substantial increase of children diagnosed with the condition. Type 1 diabetes, which usually begins during childhood, normally requires insulin treatment, but Type 2 seldom does. Type 2 can usually be controlled with proper eating and activity, although sometimes oral medications are also needed.
There is no cure for diabetes, only treatment. The condition is a result of the pancreas' inability to manufacture sufficient insulin or the body's inability to utilize it properly. Insulin removes sugar from the blood and sends it to cells, where it is stored for energy usage. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to severe organ damage; fatigue can also result since the sugar cannot be burned for energy.
Some diabetics may have no symptoms whatsoever, while many fail to recognize their symptoms as warning signs of diabetes. These warning signs include weight loss and numbness or burning of the extremities. Excessive thirst or hunger, blurred vision, and waking up to urinate (and going more often during the day) may also signal the onset of diabetes.
Complications from diabetes may include kidney failure and nerve damage, particularly in the feet and legs. In addition, diabetes increases the patient's risk for stroke, heart attack, and atherosclerosis. There is also some evidence that it may also be a contributing factor in some forms of dementia.
Being overweight is one risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes. Patients with the condition, or those who are borderline, should try to reduce their body weight. Exercise is not only beneficial to weight loss, but increased cardiovascular activity also helps to control blood sugar levels.
Diet is crucial to controlling diabetes. Patients should schedule meals at approximately the same time each day. Meals should not vary substantially in terms of quantity and foods. A healthy diet, with a good balance of carbohydrates and proteins, should be followed daily.
A good diet for diabetics does not have to be an economic hardship. Many of the recommended foods carry a lower cost than most. Green leaf vegetables, such as spinach, are excellent, as are beans and oatmeal. Sweet potatoes, citrus, and tomatoes are also good choices for a diabetic diet. Since diabetes can worsen osteoporosis, dairy should be included, but only the non-fat varieties. And while sugar does not have to be avoided altogether, it should be reserved for a special treat. In addition, sweets should be planned for ahead of time through reducing the carbohydrates in the accompanying meal.
Controlling diabetes involves a partnership between the patient and his or her physician. By making the lifestyle changes needed, the symptoms can be controlled and potential complications avoided.
Author Resource:-
Kenn Fong, writer. To find out more on Diabetes Statistics, visit his web site The Diabetes Scoop.
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