Diabetes is a disease that almost 24 million people in the U.S. have. Although about a quarter of these people do not know they have Diabetes. This disease is one where a person's body does not produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that helps to covert starches and sugar into energy that is then used by the body. There are a few varieties to this disease which we will take a look at.
Type 1 Diabetes
About 5-10% of people have Type 1 Diabetes, which is when the body does not produce insulin. To address this type of Diabetes the individual must take shots of insulin to help their bodies be able to convert starches, sugars and other foods into energy in the form the body needs it to be.
Type 2 Diabetes
People who have Type 2 Diabetes do not produce enough insulin or their bodies do not use the insulin produced correctly. Most people who have Diabetes have Type 2 Diabetes, although many who have the disease do not know it.
Gestational Diabetes
Some women might experience Gestational Diabetes which is Diabetes during their pregnancy. Many women will not have Diabetes after their pregnancy, although about 5-10% will have Type 2 Diabetes. During a pregnancy where the mother has Gestational Diabetes the baby will gain weight quickly.
Pre-Diabetes
Approximately 57 million people in the US who have high blood sugar levels, however they are not high enough to be considered Type 2 Diabetes. We call this state Pre-Diabetes, if nothing is done to address these higher sugar levels the result will most likely be Type 2 Diabetes.
While some types of Diabetes cannot be avoided it is possible to prevent Type 2 Diabetes. This is done through taking care of your body through appropriate management of diet and physical exercise. Changing lifestyle behaviors to prevent Diabetes will also help you to avoid other life threatening diseases such as heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure.
Regarding your diet, it is important to watch the amounts of sugars and carbohydrates you consume throughout the day and look for ways to reduce this sugar consumption. Try to incorporate whole grains, fruits and vegetables into your diet. Also, eating smaller meals about 5-6 times during the day will help to keep blood sugar levels consistent during the day. It is also imperative that you lose weight if you are currently overweight.
In preventing Type 2 Diabetes it is significant to focus on consistent physical exercise. The goal should be to participate in at least 30 minutes per day. If you are not currently active start with walking 30 minutes a day. If you are already physically active then continue with your routines as this drastically will help with reducing your risks of becoming Diabetic. Working out helps to use the energy in your body which lowers the sugar levels in your bloodstream as well as helps your muscles use insulin more efficiently.
Diabetes is a disease that you have an element of control in preventing. By improving your daily habits such as your diet and exercising you can greatly decrease your risk of Type 2 Diabetes. 9 out of 10 Type 2 Diabetes cases could have been prevented.
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