Diabetes is a chronic endocrine condition that affects the body’s ability to process sugar. There are two main types of diabetes, type I and type II, although the defining characteristic of both types is the dangerous buildup of sugar in the bloodstream. Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that is present at birth and manifests itself within the first 10 years of a child’s life. Type II diabetes is a developed condition that, while it often involves a genetic predisposition, is triggered by hormonal events or lifestyle habits. Diabetes affects many aspects of the body; however, these affected elements can be successfully managed with treatment.
Effects on insulin
Whether an individual is suffering from type I or type II, the fundamental issue of diabetes is the lack of or resistance to insulin production. Insulin is produced in the pancreas, an endocrine gland located in the abdominal cavity. Insulin is an amino acid that has the express purpose of metabolizing ingested sugar into either immediately usable energy or stored energy in the form of fat. Diabetes affects the ability of the pancreas to produce this protein as well as the metabolizing effectiveness of the insulin produced.
Immediate effects
When the body does not produce enough or becomes resistant to insulin, sugar builds up in the blood stream. Without treatment, it results in a state of high blood sugar called hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia can affect the body by causing an increase in thirst and urination, unnatural hunger, blurred vision, fatigue and emotional irritability. Untreated diabetes can also cause rapid weight loss as the body is unable to store ingested energy as fat.
Long-term effects
Persistent hyperglycemia over long periods of time can affect other areas of the body in significant and dangerous ways. One of the most common long-term effects of diabetes is chronic yeast infections. The yeast organisms that are naturally found in the body feed off the excess sugar, causing their colonies to become overgrown. Other more serious long-term effects include heart attack, blindness, kidney failure and nerve damage in the hands and feet.
Lifestyle effects
Diabetes also affects the type of diet an individual can consume on a daily basis. Since ingested sugars are responsible for hyperglycemia, it is important that both type I and type II diabetics maintain diets that are low in carbohydrates and high in proteins and vegetables. Processed sugars, whole grains, starches and certain vegetables like corn are all high in carbohydrates, which are made up of sugars. Ensuring proper hydration and also exercise are also important.
Prevention/solution
While diabetes can affect many aspects of both body and lifestyle, it is important to note that it is possible to reduce and eliminate these effects through the maintenance of proper treatment. There are a variety of oral medications that can enhance function of both insulin and the pancreas, and insulin injections can be taken with meals to handle sugar on a daily basis.
You can also attempt to control your type 2 diabetes at home. You must always follow your doctor’s orders and take your medication if necessary.
Lose weight
Lose weight if you are overweight. If you were a normal weight at 18 years old, that is your ideal weight. If you were not a normal weight (underweight or overweight) at age 18, talk to your doctor about what your ideal weight would be. Once you have determined your ideal weight, you should create a plan to reach your goal weight. Lose one to two pounds per week by eating healthy, exercising daily and being active.
Obesity contributes to type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes has even been diagnosed in children who are obese. Most people are not diagnosed with type 2 diabetes until they are older.
Symptoms of diabetes may include sudden weight fluctuations (gaining large amounts of weight or losing large amounts of weight), unquenchable thirst, numbness in your limbs and cravings for sugary foods.
Eat healthy
Begin eating a healthy diet immediately if you suspect you may have diabetes. Reduce sugary foods such as soda, candy, pastries, treats, milk, cereal, rice and peanut butter. Try using the diabetic plate method to make sure you eat enough vegetables each day. With this method, half of your plate should be covered with vegetables; one quarter of the plate should be a lean meat, and one quarter of the plate should be a starch.
Exercise
Exercise every day of the week. You do not need to do a strenuous workout. You can simply walk each day. You may start out small, but to really make a difference you will need to increase your walking time until you are walking at least one hour per day. It is very important for all diabetics to exercise every day for the rest of their lives. Exercise is a key component in keeping your diabetes under control.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. (ehow)
