November 14th is World Diabetes Day, so I will be spending this month covering topics related to diabetes.
Diabetes is a chronic disease where you are not able to produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose (sugar) in our blood. Our bodies need sugar to function – glucose is the main source of energy for our brain and muscles, but too much or too little can be harmful.
Too little sugar in your blood can leave you feeling shaky, light-headed, anxious, confused, hungry, fast heart rate, sweaty, weak, and nauseous, and can result in loss of consciousness, seizures, or a coma. Our bodies naturally regulate blood glucose levels but some medications, such as insulin, can result in a low blood sugar without proper education and training from health professionals.
When there isn’t enough insulin or the body is not able to properly use it, glucose builds up in the blood. Symptoms of high blood sugars include excessive thirst, frequent urination, and tiredness. If left untreated it can lead to weight changes, nerve damage, kidney disease, heart attack, stroke, eye disease, or amputation.
TYPES OF DIABETES
There are two main types of diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks and destroys the pancreas, meaning that insulin is not produced. It develops in childhood or adolescence and requires insulin therapy.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease that develops over time where the body does not produce enough insulin or becomes insulin resistant. It develops in adulthood and has several risk factors including obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol, and a family history of diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is a third type of diabetes that temporarily develops during pregnancy. Individuals may require insulin therapy to manage blood sugar levels.
LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS
Many individuals with type 2 or gestational diabetes are able to control their blood sugar levels with various lifestyle modifications.
Have a healthy body weight: Excess body weight affects the amount of fat molecules in the blood which can interfere with insulin function.
Exercise regularly: Exercise uses up glucose in the blood to fuel muscle activity. Aim to be physically active for 30 minutes every day to promote physical and emotional health and help maintain a healthy body weight.
Eat well: Eat a moderate amount of carbohydrate-containing foods such as grains, fruits, starchy vegetables, and milk products. Choose complex carbs over simple carbs like sugar-sweetened beverages and eat balanced meals with protein and fibre to moderate the rise in blood sugar after digestion.
Talk to a dietitian to learn more about how to manage or reduce your risk of diabetes.
WORLD DIABETES DAY
November 14th is World Diabetes Day, and also marks the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting who co-discovered insulin with Charles Best in 1922.
World Diabetes Day is represented by a blue circle--the symbol for diabetes awareness--and signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in response to the diabetes epidemic.
This year’s theme is Family and Diabetes, and involves raising awareness of the impact that diabetes has on families and promoting the role of the family in the management, care, prevention, and education of diabetes.
Visit worlddiabetesday.org for more information.
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