Tips on how to handle Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes, formerly known as Insulin Dependent Diabetes, occurs when insulin production in the pancreas decreases to dangerously low levels. This is usually the result of a malfunctioning pancreas and is not caused by lifestyle choices. Type 2 Diabetes (Adult Diabetes or Late Onset Diabetes), is a different story.

The occurrence of this form of diabetes is increasing at alarming rates in Western countries and is largely a lifestyle disease. This is good news because it means it is preventable.

The modern Western diet also known as the Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) is high in sugars, saturated fats, and carbohydrates. As well as the direct impact of diet on blood sugar levels, Diabetes is also linked to a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.

This form of diabetes can be prevented by making appropriate lifestyle changes early. Here are 5 ways to prevent diabetes:

1. DO NOT EAT PROCESSED OR FAST FOODS – EVER

This includes artificially sweetened drinks. Many people think that sugar is the culprit and artificial sweeteners are the healthy alternatives. They are not! Artificial sweeteners are dangerous chemicals which have been linked to serious health issues. Fast and processed foods and soda drinks have significantly contributed to the high incidence of Type 2 diabetes. They cause high sugar spikes that overwork the pancreas and ultimately cause it to stop functioning properly.

2. AVOID HIGH GLYCEMIC INDEX CARBOHYDRATES

Many experts advocate eating a low carbohydrate diet to prevent or manage diabetes, however it is important to remember that not all carbohydrates are the same. Low glycemic index (G.I.) carbohydrates cause our blood sugar levels, and therefore our insulin levels, to fluctuate mildly. On the other hand, high glycemic index carbohydrates trigger significant sugar spikes. Avoid high GI carbohydrates and eat only low GI carbohydrates to prevent diabetes.

3. EAT HEALTHILY

For our bodies to work properly, we need to provide the nutrition our cells. Eat plenty of vegetables, a variety of fruits, some low GI grains, lean protein and drink a lot of pure water.

4. EXERCISE REGULARLY

When you regularly exercise the cells in your body are able to respond more efficiently to insulin and absorb the glucose from the blood properly. Exercise decreases insulin resistance. Exercise improves metabolism and burns fat. It has been found that for every ten pounds a person loses, insulin sensitivity will improve about twenty percent.

5. KNOW THE SIDE EFFECTS OF PHARMACEUTICAL MEDICATIONS

Long term use of some medications can increase the risk of diabetes. It is therefore important to take control of your own health and understand the effects of medication.

For example, corticosteroids such as prednisone or salbutimol which are prescribed for asthma can in fact cause diabetes. If you have too many risk factors for diabetes you may decide to ask your physician for other treatment options.

By simply making these lifestyle changes, you will strengthen your immune system, improve your overall health and fitness and substantially reduce your risk of diabetes and other life threatening illnesses.

Diabetes is a health risk it is just not worth ignoring. It can lead to circulatory disorders resulting in amputations as well as blindness among other things. Changing your lifestyle can change your future and protect you from a great deal of suffering. Diabetes prevention is easy; Diabetes is not.

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