Diabetes is a disease which affects the body’s ability to regulate and efficiently use glucose (sugar) in the blood stream. There are two types of diabetes, type one, also know as juvenile onset diabetes and type two. The onset of type 1 diabetes typically occurs during childhood or adolescence while the onset of type 2 diabetes usually occurs in adulthood. The epidemic of obesity in children has seen an increased number of type two diabetes cases diagnosed in children, particularly as they enter puberty.
Insulin Resistant Diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce enough insulin to regulate blood glucose levels while type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to properly use insulin to control glucose levels. There is evidence that the onset of type 2 diabetes can be postponed or prevented in susceptible individuals if they control some of their risk factors for the disease. Taking steps to control glucose levels before the onset of the disease can delay or prevent diabetes.
Risk Factors for Type Two Diabetes:
There are several significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes, but one of the most important is genetic. People with a family history of diabetes are more likely to develop the disease. Obesity, high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels in the blood and age also play a role. Ethnicity is a factor as Asians, Native Americans, Hispanics and African Americans are at higher risk for diabetes than whites. A recent study indicated that managing risk factors for prevention of diabetes was most successful in non white groups.
Managing Risk Factors:
While no one can change their genetics, ethnicity or age, other risk factors for diabetes can be controlled. People who manage their other risk factors can delay the onset of type 2 diabetes for years and may even prevent diabetes from developing. A healthy, balanced diet and moderate daily exercise helps to control weight, blood pressure and triglyceride levels. People at risk for diabetes should not smoke or drink alcohol since smoking interferes with blood circulation and alcohol causes spikes in glucose levels.
The Importance of Exercise:
Recent studies suggest that a sedentary lifestyle contributes to the onset of diabetes even in patients who eat a healthy diet and maintain a body weight within the normal range. An exercise program which consists of both aerobic and resistance exercises can help postpone the onset of type 2 diabetes in individuals with a genetic predisposition for the disease. Aerobic exercise promotes cardiovascular health and raises metabolism and resistance exercises promote muscle tone and growth.
The Best Diet:
Individuals at risk for diabetes should eat 5 or 6 small meals each day instead of 3 large ones. Small meals consumed at regular intervals help keep blood glucose levels stable during the course of the day. A balanced diet includes lean proteins from fish and poultry, fresh fruits and vegetables, low fat diary products and a moderate amount of whole grains. It is best to avoid refined sugars, flours and fats since these substances can cause blood glucose levels to spike.
The complications of diabetes can be devastating and include blindness, kidney disease, heart disease and diabetic neuropathy. Evidence suggests that individuals who have a genetic risk of the disease and adopt a healthy diet and physically active lifestyle in childhood or early adulthood can control many of the risk factors and delay or prevent the onset of type two diabetes.
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