The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that as at July 2017 a staggering 100 million people in America have diabetes with a great number predisposed to it and this number is steadily rising. With brownies and doughnuts a cultural staple and the lack of consistent physical activity, this should come as no surprise.
As clearly stated on the CDC site, “people with diabetes are at increased risk of serious health complications including premature death, vision loss, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and amputation of toes, feet, or legs,” which should be a deterrent for over consumption of sugar, but engrained cultural habits are indeed hard to break. What is more stunning is the number of people under 18 that have been diagnosed with the disease.
The marked distinction between Diabetes 1 and 2 is: Type 1 is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin while Type 2 is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose).
TYPE 2
Located in the abdomen, the pancreas essentially converts food into fuel or insulin for the body’s cells. This is also the area of the body that helps to store and use glucose. Insulin is then sent, as glucose (sugar) through the bloodstream into muscle, fat, liver, and most other cells so that the body can use it for fuel.
An excess of insulin in the bloodstream can cause cells in the body to absorb too much glucose (sugar) which in turn creates a malfunction that can cause a lesser amount of glucose to be released from the liver. The combination of both conditions is called hypoglycemia.
Low blood sugar can lead to loss of consciousness and where there is a deficiency in glucose the body begins to break down fat for energy.
Though the 2 types are invariably presented under the same heading, they are essentially different.
TYPE 1
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the insulin-producing islet cells in the pancreas are completely destroyed, so the body can’t produce any insulin. Once this happens, lifelong insulin injections are required to control blood sugar.
Some of the most pronounced symptoms of Type 1 diabetes are: frequent urination and extreme thirst, increased or intense feeling of hunger, blurred vision and weak or unexplained tired feeling. Some of these symptoms can be very sudden in manifesting.
Chronic inflammation of the pancreas can damage the cells that produce insulin. Also, the pancreas can become inflamed and damaged by its own digestive chemicals and this swelling can result in the death of tissue. There is some speculation that alcohol or gallstones can contribute, but it is not unusual for the cause to remain unknown.
SUGGESTED PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
Though it is extremely important for persons who have or suspect that they may have diabetes to consult and follow the strict instructions of their physician, the internet is strewn with suggestions on homeopathic medications and special diets to help ward off the onset of this disease.
Suggestion 101 states: To prevent these diabetes complications, keep your blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels as close as you can to the numbers your doctor recommends. Don’t smoke, be physically active, and eat a nutritious diet to help you reach or maintain a healthy weight.
For those who may have a difficulty with checking or maintaining the above levels and alternative approach may be considered to compliment your doctor’s orders. Alternative medical practitioners tend to believe that most illnesses have their genesis in stress and as such they are inclined to suggest a change in lifestyle and diet.
Here are the top 5 suggestions from EVERYDAY HEALTH:
- Try mindfulness meditation to reduce stress. The hormones cortisol, epinephrine, and glucagon rise during stress, thereby raising blood glucose and antagonizing insulin.
- Enjoy an occasional beer or glass of wine. …
- Get plenty of sleep. …
- Exercise every day. …
- Eat real food rather than processed food.
Cheers to improved health.
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE SEEK YOU MEDICAL DOCTOR’S ADVICE ON ALL HEALTH CONCERNS.
Marlene Daley
Founder &Publisher
Kotch Magazine
