Currently, about 20.8 million Americans suffer from some form of
diabetes. That's a whopping 7% of the population. Of those 20.8
million people, it's estimated that nearly one-third of them (or
6.2 million) don't even know they have it.
There are two main types of diabetes that most of us should be
concerned about: type 1 and type 2. Type one diabetes is
generally diagnosed in childhood, and may also be referred to as
juvenile diabetes. This form of the disease is due to the body's
failure to produce adequate insulin, the hormone that allows
glucose to enter our cells and fuel them. About 5 to 10% of
Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have this form of the
disease.
Type 2 is much more common. Type 2 diabetes generally results
from insulin resistance (where the body fails to utilize insulin
properly), combined with relative insulin deficiency. 90 to 95%
of Americans who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2.
Since type 2 diabetes is usually brought about by diet and
lifestyle, this is the form of the disease we'll talk most
about. Our bodies need insulin to be able to use sugar. Sugar
(or glucose) is the basic fuel for our cells, and is carried
throughout the body by insulin. In people with diabetes, insulin
levels are insufficient, causing glucose to build up in the
blood instead of going into cells. This can cause two problems:
one, your cells may be starved for energy, and two, over time
high blood glucose levels may damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves,
or heart.
Now, don't get me wrong: finding out you have type 2 diabetes
can be scary and is no laughing matter. However, there is no
need to panic. Diabetes is serious, but victims of the disease
can live long, healthy, happy lives.
There is new research every day that helps shed some light on
how to live with and control diabetes. Especially with type 2,
there is a lot you can do to help keep the disease in check.
Oral medications can be extremely helpful and offer a good level
of convenience. But probably the most important things you can
do to keep your diabetes from taking over your life is to watch
your diet very carefully, and exercise.
It's a known scientific fact that physical activity can help
lower blood sugar, reducing the body's need for insulin. The
more exercise you get, the less medication you're likely to
need. And the more you can control your diabetes without taking
extra medication, the better. If you have diabetes (or even if
you don't!), make sure you're exercising regularly. It doesn't
have to be ultra-strenuous--a walk will do--but it does have to
be consistent.
The other vital factor in controlling your diabetes naturally is
with your diet. Diabetics need to keep a close eye on their
carbohydrates, sugars, fats, and proteins. If you can maintain a
proper balance and keep your blood sugar from spiking, you'll
have a much easier time keeping your diabetes in check. Pay
close attention to food labels. The meal planning exchange lists
available from the American Diabetes Association could prove to
be your best friend and will help simplify the whole process.
And of course, getting regular exercise and watching your diet
could have a fantastic side effect, and it's something else that
will help you control your diabetes: weight loss. Losing just
10% of your body weight could have a major positive impact on
your health, so if you have some weight to lose, shoot for 10%
for starters.
If you don't have type 2 diabetes, you can do much to prevent
it. Try to maintain a healthy weight with proper diet, exercise,
and plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. And above
all, see your doctor if you have any concerns.
About the author:
Copyright Troy Francis. Troy is founder of Exercise-Diet.com.
You can see more great articles on Weight Loss, Exercise,
Fitness, Health and much more by going to:
http://www.Exercise-Diet.com/
