Diabetes is a metabolic disease, with characteristics that include glucose problems. Typically the body produces too much blood sugar, commonly called glucose.
In a healthy body, glucose is controlled by naturally produced insulin, adjusting as necessary to the consumption of or absence of food. Insulin is a hormone which is produced by the pancreas.
In patients with diabetes, insulin is not produced or is insufficiently produced causing hyperglycemia.
2. World Diabetes Day
World Diabetes Day takes place on 14 November every year. The date was chosen
because it marks the birthday of Frederick Banting, who, along with Charles Best, is
credited with the discovery of insulin.
It was introduced by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health
Organization (WHO) in 1991, in response to concern over the escalating incidence of
diabetes around the world.
The significance of the symbol is overwhelmingly positive. Across cultures, the circle
symbolizes life and health. The blue circle signifies the unity of the global diabetes
community in response to the diabetes pandemic.
3. What is Diabetes
Diabetes is a metabolic disease, with characteristics
that include glucose problems. Typically the body
produces too much blood sugar, commonly called
glucose.
In a healthy body, glucose is controlled by naturally
produced insulin, adjusting as necessary to the
consumption of or absence of food. Insulin is a hormone
which is produced by the pancreas.
In patients with diabetes, insulin is not produced or is
insufficiently produced causing hyperglycemia.
6. Diabetes Prevention Tip-1
Tweaking your lifestyle could be a big step toward diabetes prevention
Drop extra weight
If you're overweight, diabetes prevention may hinge on weight loss. Every
pound you lose can improve your health. And you may be surprised by how
much.
In one study, overweight adults who lost a modest amount of weight — 5
percent to 10 percent of initial body weight — and exercised regularly reduced
the risk of developing diabetes by 58 percent over three years.
To keep your weight in a healthy range, focus on permanent changes to your
eating and exercise habits. Involve other family members as well. Motivate
yourself by remembering the benefits of losing weight, such as a healthier
heart, more energy and improved self-esteem.
7. Diabetes Prevention Tip-2
Tweaking your lifestyle could be a big step toward diabetes prevention
Skip Fad Diets
Low-carbohydrate, high-protein or other fad diets may help you lose
weight at first, but they're not likely to help you maintain a healthy
weight in the long run.
And by excluding or strictly limiting a particular food group, you may
be giving up essential nutrients.
Instead, think variety and portion control as part of an overall healthy
eating plan.
Choose healthy foods low in fat and calories, including fruits,
vegetables and various lean foods from the other major food groups.
8. Diabetes Prevention Tip-3
Tweaking your lifestyle could be a big step toward diabetes prevention
Get plenty of fiber
It's rough, it's tough — and it can reduce the risk of diabetes by improving your blood sugar
control.
And that's not all. Fiber also reduces the risk of heart disease. It can even promote weight loss by
helping you feel full longer.
Aim for 25 to 50 grams of fiber a day. Foods high in fiber include fruits, vegetables, beans, whole
grains, nuts and seeds.
9. Diabetes Prevention Tip-4
Tweaking your lifestyle could be a big step toward diabetes prevention
Go for whole grains
Whole grains are another important piece in the diabetes-prevention
puzzle.
Try to make at least half your grains whole grains. Even if you've been
eating white bread and baking with refined flour for years, switching to
whole grains might be easier than you think.
Many foods made from whole grains come ready to eat, including various
breads, pasta products and ready-to-eat cereals.
Look for the word quot;wholequot; on the package and among the first few items
in the ingredient list. Try to choose items with at least 3 grams of fiber
per serving.
10. Diabetes Prevention Tip-5
Tweaking your lifestyle could be a big step toward diabetes prevention
Get more physical activity
Increasing your physical activity can help you lose weight. But even
if it doesn't, it's still important to get off the couch.
Whether you lose weight or not, physical activity lowers blood sugar
and boosts your sensitivity to insulin — which helps keep your blood
sugar within a normal range.
With your doctor's OK, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate
physical activity a day. Take a brisk daily walk. Ride a bike. Swim
laps.
If you can't fit in a long workout, break it up into smaller sessions
spread throughout the day. Even trading the elevator for the stairs
and parking farther from your destination are steps in the right
direction.
11. DISCLAIMER:
These tips are generally applicable to all but conditions may vary from person to person. It is therefore
recommended that you should take doctor’s consent first. Your doctor will applaud your efforts to keep
diabetes at bay, and perhaps offer additional suggestions based on your medical history or other factors.
REFERENCES:
www.webmd.com
www.mayoclinic.com
www.ndep.nih.gov
www.diabetesvoice.org
www.worlddiabetesday.org
12. Wish You A Healthy & Diabetes-Free Life
Regards,
Samir Ahmed
samir-ahmed@live.com