Avoiding Diabetes

By Crystal Wells

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

People who have Type 1 Diabetes do not produce their own insulin. They must take shots of insulin to enable their bodies to absorb glucose. Only 5-10% of individuals who have Diabetes have Type 1 Diabetes.

Diabetes Type 2

Most people who are diagnosed with Diabetes fall into this type of Diabetes, although about 1/3 of the people who have Type 2 Diabetes do not know they have it. Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body has an insulin resistance, generally not using the insulin correctly. Also, there is usually a deficiency of insulin as well.

Gestational Diabetes

This type of diabetes can happen during pregnancy in some woman. Often times this can cause the baby to gain weight quickly. After a pregnancy where gestational diabetes occurs 5-10% of woman will have diabetes after their pregnancy, usually Type 2 Diabetes.

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.

Physical exercise should be added into your daily routines. Try to participate in 30 minutes of exercise each day, even if it is just walking. This will help in weight loss but also will help level out your blood sugar in your bloodstream. Working your muscles harder and more often will help them to use insulin better to absorb glucose.

Although Diabetes is a serious disease it is one that you have the ability to prevent by focusing on habits that will help your overall health. Some of these habits are eating a healthy balanced diet and participating in 30 minutes or more of exercise per day. By taking better care of yourself in these ways it will immensely increase your success in preventing Diabetes. - 30540

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