| If you suffer from diabetes, you body does not produce enough of a hormone known as insulin, or you body does not use the hormone it has properly. Insulin helps the body use sugar (glucose) for energy. Left untreated, diabetes can cause blindness, nerve and blood vessel damage that leads to foot or leg amputation, heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and death.
There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is observed when the human body does not make insulin at all. People suffering from type 2 diabetes either are deficient in insulin, or their cells disregard the insulin their body produces. About 95% of people who have diabetes suffer from type 2 diabetes. It is also known as "non-insulin dependent" diabetes.
BE WELL-AWARE OF YOUR RISK
If the child you gave birth to weighed more than 9 pounds and/or if you had gestational diabetes while you were pregnant, you are also likely to develop diabetes. Males and Females over 45 are also at high risk. You are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes, if it runs in your family. Type 2 diabetes is much more frequently observed in African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans or Pacific Americans.
If you have one or more the risk factors listed above, your general practitioner may want to begin regular diabetes testing. The earlier you find out you have diabetes, the more you and your doctor can do to make certain you stay healthy.
MAKE CHANGES
Unfortunately, you can do nothing to change your age, ethnicity or family history, but there are several risk factors that you can control. The risk of developing diabetes also increases if:
• You are fat.
• You do not exercise on a regular basis.
• You have an unhealthy diet.
If you know you are at high risk, making proper choices about nutrition and physical activity can help you stay healthy. In fact, studies have demonstrated that consuming a highly nutritious food and taking exercise can preclude or delay type 2 diabetes.
If you are corpulent, remember that an excessive weight gain is the single most significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes. According to estimates, 80%- 90% of people with diabetes are overweight. Losing weight and controlling it can help forestall diabetes. Eat a variety of foods, including high-fiber foods, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Also, watch your portion.
Keep in mind that any amount of physical activity is better than none. Ride an exercise bicycle while watching the evening news or your favorite sitcom. Most of all, assure you take up an activity you like, so you will stick with it.
By simply being aware of your risk factors and getting into the habit of eating healthy foods and doing exercise regularly, you can control your wellness. |
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