TAKE CONTROL OF DIABETES IN 5 STEPS

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body processes glucose, or blood sugar. Glucose is crucial for providing energy to cells and is primarily derived from the foods we eat. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating the absorption of glucose into cells. In diabetes, this process is impaired, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

There are three main types of diabetes:

1. Type 1 Diabetes: This type occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body produces little to no insulin. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can occur at any age. Its exact cause is not known, but genetics and environmental factors are believed to play a role. People with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy for survival.
2. Type 2 Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to meet the body’s needs. This form of diabetes is more common and is often associated with lifestyle factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor dietary habits. Genetics also contribute to the risk of type 2 diabetes. Initially, type 2 diabetes may be managed with lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, but many individuals may require oral medications or insulin therapy as the condition progresses.
3. Gestational Diabetes: Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the increased demands. It usually develops around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth. However, women who have had gestational diabetes have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Common symptoms of diabetes include:

Frequent Urination: Excess glucose in the blood is excreted through urine, leading to increased urination.

Unexplained Weight Loss: In type 1 diabetes, the body may break down muscle and fat for energy when it cannot use glucose properly, leading to weight loss despite increased appetite.

Increased Thirst: Frequent urination can result in dehydration, causing increased thirst.

Fatigue: Without adequate glucose for energy production, individuals with diabetes may experience fatigue and weakness.

Blurred Vision: High blood sugar levels can cause fluid to be pulled from the lenses of the eyes, affecting vision.

Slow Healing of Wounds: High blood sugar levels can impair the body’s ability to heal wounds and fight infections.

Increased Hunger: In type 2 diabetes, cells may not receive enough glucose for energy, leading to increased hunger.

Have diabetes? You can taake control of it by engaging in lifestyle changes. At risk of having it? Take charge by changing and narrowing your lifestyles towards that which keeps diabetes far away from you.

Diabetes can cause serious complications such as nerve, kidney and heart damage, so changing your lifestyle now may help you avoid the serious health complications.

Ready? Jump on the band wagon!

1. Exercise Regimentally.

Exercising intentionally is like killing three birds with one stone. Exercise helps you loose wight, boost your sensitivity to the hormone with uses up glucose (insulin) which in turn keep your blood sugar level under control.So, do some jogging, walking, swimming, biking or running for at least 2hrs 15 minutes every week.

2. Eat A Lot of Healthy Vegetable.

Vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates can be provided by vegetables in your diet. The content of Carbohydrates includes sugars and starches which are source of energy to your body. Fibers can also help you lose weight thereby lowering your risk of diabetes. Eat a variety of healthy fruits, such as tomatoes, peppers and fruit from trees and beans.

3. Lose Weight but Don’t Weigh Less.

One of the risk factors of diabetes is obesity. Losing weight can reduce your risk drastically. To start with, establish a weight-loss goal grounded on your present body mass. Talk to your health practitioner about it.

4. Eat Fatty Foods in Moderation.

Foods that contains a high number of calories should be eaten with restraint.This will help lose and manage weight, your food should contain an assortment of foods with unsaturated fats, sometimes called “good fats.”

5.On Medications? Take Them Regularly

The use of antidiabetic drugs is to help remove the excess glucose from the blood to where it is needed. Of your doctor deem it fit to place you on medications, kindly follow instructions. Keep it under control