What is Diabetes?
Diabetes, (or in full Diabetes Mellitus) is a condition that impairs your body's ability to process blood sugar. There are three major of Diabetes, Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes.
Causes of Diabetes
While the causes of Type 1 Diabetes are unknown, Type 2 Diabetes has much clearer causes. Common risk factors that could lead to diabetes include:
- Being overweight
- Having a family history
- Having a low level of good cholesterol
- Having a history of high blood pressure
- Living a sedentary lifestyle
- Being more than 45 years of age
Symptoms of Diabetes
Some of the signs that you may have Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes are
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Irritability
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections, such as gums or skin infections and vaginal infection
- Unexplained weight loss
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin.
Treatment & Care
The treatment of diabetes usually involves blood sugar monitoring, insulin administration and oral medications. Adapting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also key to managing diabetes. Losing even a small percentag of your body weight can make a big difference in blood sugar control.
Some lifestyle changes you can make are:
- A healthy diet: Ensure that you are eating foods that are high in nutrition and fiber, and low in fat and calories. Limit sugary foods as much as possible. It is a good idea to consult a nutritionist if you have diabetes. If you drink alcohol, drink responsibly.
- Physical activity: Exercise makes your body use up blood sugar in the form of energy. Engaging in 30 minutes of exercise at leat 5 days a week is a good starting point. If you are diabetic ensure you have an OK from your doctor, and then you can choose your favourite activity like aerobics, walking, biking or even swimming.
- Mental health: Living a stressful life may cause your body to produce hormones that impede the work of insulin. It's good to start some relaxation techniques such as meditation, as well as get enough sleep.
Nutrition & Diet
A healthy and well rounded diet is important to maintain a healthy life; not just for diabetics but for everyone else in general. What we put in our bodies directly influences our health.
Your doctor may refer you to a nutritionist, who will give you professional advice depending on your goals and your current state of health.
Overall, these are some great guidelines to a healthy diet:
- Build your meals around fresh, nutritious food. These are foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and lean protein.
- Avoid high sugar or high calorie foods that lack other nutrients. Foods to avoid include sodas, deep fried foods and high sugar desserts.
- Limit your alcohol intake - one drink a day for women, and two drinks a day for men. Do not drink on an empty stomach.
