Diabetes - This disease is also known
as the “silent killer” because it does not exhibit any symptoms at the onset
& if left untreated it can cause many complications. Diabetes can also be described as a metabolism disorder. Metabolism
refers to the way our bodies use digested food for energy & growth. The
food we eat is broken down into glucose. Glucose is a form of sugar in the
blood - it is the principal source of fuel for our bodies. When our food is
digested, the glucose makes its way into our bloodstream. Our cells use glucose
for energy & growth & insulin makes it possible for our cells to take
in glucose. Insulin is produced
by pancreas & it lowers blood glucose by helping the body cells absorb
glucose. Diabetes is caused either because of the absence or insufficient
production of insulin. Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases in which the
blood glucose levels are very high over a prolonged period of time.
Types of Diabetes
Types of Diabetes
Broadly, there are three types of diabetes: type 1, type
2 & gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is also known as insulin-dependent
diabetes resulting from the body’s failure to produce insulin & the
symptoms may develop very rapidly. This type has to be managed with insulin
injections.
In type 2 diabetes, also known as non-insulin dependent
diabetes, the symptoms develop slowly, may be subtle or totally absent. This
type can be managed with medications & with or without insulin injections.
The third type is gestational diabetes in which pregnant
women without previous history of diabetes develop high blood glucose levels.
This type usually resolves after the termination of pregnancy or child
birth. Symptoms of high blood sugar include
frequent urination, increased thirst & increased hunger. Prevention & treatment involve a healthy
diet, physical exercise & maintaining a normal body weight.
Foods
Help Control Blood Sugar
Coffee & Cinnamon have long made headlines as foods that
can help cut the risk of diabetes by improving blood sugar levels. Oatmeal is
also good for diabetics, but make sure that you don’t get the sweetened
variety. Besides oats, barley & most whole grains are also a great choice
for diabetic patients. Add plenty of non-starchy vegetables into your meals.
Vegetables like spinach, broccoli & green beans are ideal as they are high
in fiber & low in carbohydrates. Do not shy away from strawberries just
because they are sweet. A cup of strawberries is great for a healthy diabetes
snack. Fish, skinless chicken breast & lean cuts of meat are also great
choices for diabetic diets.
Living
with Diabetes
Do not feel deprived if you have to live with diabetes.
Learn to balance meals & make healthy food choices. Once you get the hang
of a healthy diabetic diet, you can perhaps relax & dig into a large
variety of delicious meals & snacks.
