Diabetes
A Guide to the Disease
What is Diabetes?
Type 1:
Type 1 diabetes is usually found in children and young adults. It is when the body produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone which is secreted by the pancreas so it can bind with glucose and carry it to the cells for it to be converted into energy. When the body doesn't produce enough Insulin then not all of the glucose can be taken to the cells which causes high blood sugar.
Type 2:
Type 2 diabetes is usually found in older adults. This is when the cells in the body have resistance to insulin so the insulin can't attach to the cell and let the glucose pass into the cell. If the glucose can't enter the cell it can't be converted into energy which results in high blood pressure.
Dietary Recommendations
- Stick to a schedule and try to eat at the same times everyday and eat small snacks in between meals.
- Portion your food properly so you are not eating too much or too little of one thing.
- Avoid large amounts of carbohydrates and fats because it is harder for the body to break those down when you have diabetes and eat a lot of proteins.
- Balance your diet to make sure you are getting all of the necessary nutrients.
Exercise Recommendations:
- Integrate your exercise schedule with your dietary schedule so they fit with each other.
- Make sure you check your blood sugar level before and after you work out.
- Stay aware of signs of low blood sugar.
- Talk to your doctor about when the best time to work out is for you.
- Exercise is important when you have diabetes because it helps lower your cholesterol and blood pressure and burn fat.
Useful Health Professionals
Endocrinologists are physicians who are specially trained to diagnose diseases pertaining to the glands. They perform glucose tolerance tests which allow them to tell if someone has diabetes by seeing how they react to glucose. They can also diagnose why type of diabetes someone may have.
Dietician
Dietitians are very important for people with diabetes. Diabetes requires you to stick to a strict diet. Dietitians and nutritionists can help you come up with a dietary plan that best fits you. The plan can consist of time to eat and what to eat and how to balance your diet.
Certified Diabetic Educator
When you're diagnosed with diabetes you have to make a lot of changes in your life in order to make sure you stay safe and health. A CDE can help with this transition by teaching you everything you need to know about diabetes so you can adjust to your new style of living.
Works Cited
American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/?loc=logo
Diabetes - Find Community, News, Information on Diabetes | www.healthcentral.com. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.healthcentral.com/diabetes/?ic=2300
DLife - For Your Diabetes Life | Diabetes | Type 1 Diabetes | Type 2 Diabetes. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.dlife.com/