Understanding Diabetes: Causes and Healthy Lifestyles

 

Many people don’t know what causes diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body can not efficiently use the product insulin. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Hyperglycemia – an elevated blood sugar level is a consequence of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many systems in the body, especially the nerves and blood vessels.

In 2014, 9% of adults had diabetes. In 2012, diabetes was a direct cause of 1.5 million deaths. More than 80% of death cases were caused by diabetes and its complications occur in countries with low and medium economic status.
At least 50% of all people with diabetes do not attach importance to the symptoms they have and do not require medical attention, which leads them to be undiagnosed.

Diabetes Type 1

Type 1 diabetes is characterized by a lack of insulin delivery and requires daily taking of insulin. The cause of diabetes type 1 is not yet known, and can not be prevented by the current knowledge. Symptoms include excessive urine output, thirst, persistent famine, weight loss, vision changes, and fatigue. These simulations may occur
suddenly.

Diabetes type 2

Type 2 diabetes occurs as a result of ineffective use of insulin by the body. It occurs in 90% of people who are diabetic in the whole world, what causes diabetes is due to excess body weight and physical inactivity. Symptoms may be similar to those of type 1 diabetes but are often less noticeable. As a result, the disease can be diagnosed and several years after the onset of complications.

Prediabetes

Certain blood sugar levels may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This condition is called prediabetes when the values ​​for the blood glucose concentration are higher than normal and lower than the criteria for diagnosis. About 50% of people with so-called Prediabetes can develop type 2 diabetes.

Over time, diabetes can damage the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves.
Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. In a multinational study, 50% of people with diabetes die from cardiovascular diseases (most commonly heart disease and stroke).
In combination with a reduction in blood flow, neuropathy (nerve damage) on the legs, increases the chances of an ulcer legs, infections and possible need for amputation of the limbs.
Diabetic retinopathy is the main cause of blindness, and it occurs as a result of long-term accumulated damage to small vessels in the retina. One percent of global blindness can be associated with diabetes.
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of kidney problems.
The risk of dying in people with diabetes is twice as high as their peers without diabetes.

Prevention

It has been shown that a simple lifestyle can be effective in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes.

To help with the prevention of type 2 diabetes and its complications, people should:

-Be active and maintain normal body weight; be physically active – more activity is needed to control weight.

-Consume healthy foods with 3 to 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. And yes reduce sugar and saturated fat in the diet.
-Avoid using cigarettes – Smoking increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
-Sitting more than eight hours a day causes diabetes and heart disease

Dallas, August 24, 2018 (MIA) – The longer we sit, the greater the risk of damage to the heart, and here we should specifically emphasize heart failure. According to a new study by the University of Texas over 1,700 respondents participated.

A blood test reveals that people sitting longer for a day had a higher troponin level. In particular, the risk group includes those who sit for an average of more than 8-9 hours. And apart from damage to the heart, the risk of diabetes and other similar diseases increases.

What should be especially emphasized is that in these circumstances, neither exercise can much help, experts say.

For now, it is not known why sitting is associated with a weakening of the heart’s work and what causes diabetes. So additional research will be required.

INSULIN

Insulin is a hormone which plays a key role in the regulation of blood glucose levels. A lack of insulin, or an inability to adequately respond to insulin, can each lead to the development of the symptoms of diabetes.

THE ROLE OF INSULIN IN THE BODY:

Insulin is a hormone that plays a number of roles in the body’s metabolism.
Insulin regulates how the body uses and stores glucose and fat. Many of the body’s cells rely on insulin to take glucose from the blood for energy.

INSULIN AND BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS:

Insulin helps control blood glucose levels by signaling the liver and muscle and fat cells to take in glucose from the blood. Insulin therefore helps cells to take in glucose to be used for energy.
If the body has sufficient energy, insulin signals the liver to take up glucose and store it as glycogen.
The liver can store up to around 5% of its mass as glycogen.
Some cells in the body can take glucose from the blood without insulin, but most cells do require insulin to be present.

INSULIN AND TYPE 1 DIABETES:

In type 1 diabetes, the body produces insufficient insulin to regulate blood glucose levels.
Without the presence of insulin, many of the body’s cells cannot take glucose from the blood and therefore the body uses other sources of energy.
Ketones are produced by the liver as an alternative source of energy, however, high levels of the ketones can lead to a dangerous condition called ketoacidosis.
People with type 1 diabetes will need to inject insulin to compensate for their body’s lack of insulin.

INSULIN AND TYPE 2 DIABETES:

Type 2 diabetes is characterised by the body not responding effectively to insulin. This is termed insulin resistance. As a result, the body is less able to take up glucose from the blood. In the earlier stages of type 2 diabetes, the body responds by producing more insulin than it would normally need to.
If type 2 diabetes develops over several years, the extra demands on the pancreas to produce insulin can lead to a loss of insulin-producing cells (known as pancreatic beta cells) as they wear out.
Depending on their level of insulin resistance, people with type 2 diabetes may also need to take insulin injections to manage their blood sugar levels.

INSULIN AND FAT STORAGE:

As well as being involved in the regulation of blood glucose, insulin is also involved in how fat is used by the body. When the liver has taken up its capacity of glycogen, insulin signals fat cells to take up glucose to be stored as triglycerides.
An additional effect of insulin is in inhibiting the breakdown of fats.

HEALTHY EATING PRACTICES

Healthy eating practices are essential for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. A balanced and nutritious diet can provide the necessary vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that our bodies need to function properly. Here are some healthy eating practices that can help you lead a healthier life.

Eat a variety of foods

Eating a variety of foods is essential to getting all the necessary nutrients your body needs. Include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats in your diet.

Portion control

Portion control is crucial in maintaining a healthy weight. Eating too much of any food, even healthy ones, can lead to weight gain. Use smaller plates, measure your food, and avoid eating while distracted to help control portions.

Reduce added sugar

Added sugars are often found in processed foods, sugary drinks, and desserts. Excess sugar consumption has been linked to obesity and other health problems. Try to limit your intake of added sugars by choosing whole foods and drinks that are naturally low in sugar.

Limit saturated and trans fats

Saturated and trans fats can increase cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease. Limit your intake of these fats by choosing lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, and healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, and seeds.

Drink plenty of water

Drinking plenty of water is essential to maintaining good health. It helps keep your body hydrated, aids digestion and helps regulate body temperature. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water per day.

Eat mindfully

Eating mindfully means paying attention to the food you eat and how it makes you feel. Avoid eating while distracted, such as watching TV or using your phone, and take the time to enjoy your food and appreciate the flavours and textures.

Plan your meals

Planning your meals can help you make healthier choices and avoid unhealthy foods. Try to plan your meals for the week, make a grocery list, and prepare meals in advance to make healthy eating easier.

Get enough protein

Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues and maintaining muscle mass. Include lean proteins such as chicken, fish, beans, and tofu in your diet.

Choose whole grains

Whole grains are rich in fibre and can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Choose whole grains such as whole wheat, brown rice, and quinoa instead of refined grains.

Don’t skip meals

Skipping meals can lead to overeating and poor food choices later in the day. Aim to eat three meals a day and include healthy snacks if needed.

In conclusion, healthy eating practices are essential for maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases. By following these tips, you can improve your diet, make healthier choices, and lead a healthier life. Remember, small changes can make a big difference, so start by making small changes to your diet and gradually work towards a healthier lifestyle.

 

Dr Iyke