| If you have diabetes, you human body does not make enough of a hormone known as insulin, or you body does not use insulin it has properly. Insulin helps the human body use sugar (glucose) for energy. If untreated, diabetes can result in blindness, nerve and blood vessel damage that leads to foot or leg amputation, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and death.
General practitioners distinguish two types of diabetes. Type 1 occurs when the human body does not produce insulin at all. People suffering from type 2 diabetes either suffer from insulin deficiency, or their cells ignore the insulin they have. Around 95% of people with diabetes suffer from type 2 diabetes. It is also known as "non-insulin dependent" or "adult-onset" diabetes.
KNOW YOUR RISK
If the child you gave birth to weighed more than 9 pounds and/or if you had gestational diabetes when you were pregnant, you may also be more likely to develop diabetes. Males and Females over the age of 45 are also at high risk. You are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, if members of your family had or are having it, or if you are African American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian American or Pacific American.
CHANGES ARE TO BE DONE
Unfortunately, you can do nothing to change your age, ethnicity or family history, but there are several risk factors you can take control of. The risk of developing diabetes also heightens, if you are corpulent, you do not take exercise on a regular basis and/or you have an unhealthy diet.
If you are aware that you are at risk, making proper choices about what you eat and drink and physical activity can help you stay healthy. In fact, studies have shown that eating a healthy diet and doing exercise can prevent or deter type 2 diabetes.
If you are corpulent, remember that corpulence is the single most important risk factor for type 2 diabetes. According to the recent studies, 80%- 90% of people with diabetes are overweight. Losing weight and getting it off can help preclude diabetes. Consume a variety of foods, including those containing a lot of fiber. Also, watch your portion.
Note that any amount of physical activity is much better than none. Ride an exercise bike while you view the evening news or your favorite sitcom. Most of all, make sure you find an activity are fond of, so you will stick with it.
By being well-aware of your risk factors and making healthy choices a habit, you can take control of your wellness. |
