25/07/2015
Diabetes—Can The Risk Be Reduced?
THE incidence of diabetes mellitus is increasing so quickly that it has become a global epidemic. There are 2 major types of diabetes. Type 1 starts mainly in childhood, and presently doctors do not know how to prevent it. Our focus in this write-up is about type 2, which accounts for about 90% of all diabetes.
While in the past it was seen as exclusive to adults, more recently type 2 diabetes has also been affecting children. Experts claim, however, that the risk of type 2 diabetes can be reduced. A little knowledge of this insidious disease may prove helpful to you.
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition that causes a person to have an excessive level of blood sugar. The disease upsets the normal process of transferring sugar from the bloodstream into cells that need it for energy. The result is damage to vital organs and impairment of blood circulation, sometimes leading to toe or foot amputation, blindness, and kidney disease. A large proportion of diabetes patients die of heart attacks or stroke.
Excess body fat can be a major factor in type 2 diabetes. Experts believe that fat accumulated in the belly and waist may indicate a higher risk for diabetes. More specifically, fat in the pancreas and the liver appear to disrupt the body’s regulation of blood sugar. What can be done to reduce the risk?
Three Steps That May Reduce the Risk of Diabetes
1. Have your blood sugar level tested if you are in a high-risk group.
2. Choose healthful food. You might benefit from doing the following whenever it is possible and practical:
- Eat smaller portions than usual.
- Instead of sugary fruit juice and carbonated beverages, drink water, tea, or coffee.
- Eat whole-grain bread, rice, and pasta—in moderation—rather than refined foods.
- Eat leaner meats, fish, nuts, and beans.
3. Stay physically active. Exercise can lower your blood sugar and help you maintain a healthy weight.
Take note: You cannot change your genes, but you can change your lifestyle. Doing what we can to improve our health is worth the effort.
Diabetes is definitely not to be taken lightly!
