Let Us Talk About Diabetes

If you have diabetes, then your body struggles to make enough (or any) insulin, or it struggles to use the insulin that has been produced properly, and it is a very serious health condition.

Worldwide, it affects about 422 million people! Let us repeat, globally over 422 MILLION people suffer from the disease. That is an alarming statistic.

In the UK alone, it is believed that more than 4.4 million people live with diabetes and 1.2 million people could be living with type 2 diabetes who are yet to be diagnosed.

Since this disease causes high levels of sugar in your blood, over time, that high level of blood sugar can lead to serious health issues like heart disease, vision problems, kidney disease, and even death. According to the World Health Organisation, this disease is responsible for causing 2 million deaths each year.

But, IT IS manageable. Join us and let us talk about it.

Diabetes Explained

Diabetes is a condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. Normally when you eat, your body breaks down the food into a sugar called glucose, which enters your bloodstream. 

Your pancreas is responsible for releasing a hormone called insulin, which helps the glucose get into your cells to be used for energy.

When your body does not make enough insulin or cannot use it as well as it should, the glucose in your blood cannot be turned into energy which then leads to high blood sugar levels.

And having consistently high blood glucose levels can cause serious health problems.

There Are Primarily Three Types Of Diabetes

Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.

1. Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where your body attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in your pancreas. This type of diabetes is less common and usually diagnosed in children and young adults.
2. Type 2 Diabetes: This is the most common type of diabetes, and it occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin or when your pancreas cannot produce enough insulin. It is often associated with obesity and an unhealthy lifestyle and tends to be diagnosed in adults (though it is increasingly seen in younger individuals).
3. Gestational Diabetes: This type of diabetes can develop during pregnancy and usually disappears after giving birth, but it increases the risk of the mother developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

Managing diabetes effectively is crucial to maintaining health and preventing complications, as type 1 and type 2 diabetes are lifelong diseases.

How To Manage Diabetes

Change Your Diet

Your diet plays a huge role when it comes to managing diabetes. It is incredibly important to eat a balanced diet that contains vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins (like chicken, eggs, turkey, salmon, tofu, eggs, lentils and beans), and healthy fats (like avocados, nuts, and olive oil). Avoid processed foods high in sugar and trans fats, and limit your carbohydrate (like sugar, bread, candy, and pasta) intake to help your blood sugar levels remain stable.

When heading to the store, choose foods with a low GI (Glycemic Index) as they are digested and absorbed more slowly, causing a slower rise in your blood glucose levels.

Regular Physical Activity

Exercise is never a bad idea. It helps insulin work better and can even help lower your blood sugar levels. It also helps with weight loss, reduces your cardiovascular risk, and improves your overall well-being. 

You can combine aerobic exercises (like walking, cycling, or swimming) and resistance training (like weightlifting) to really get your body working.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes and is crucial in managing both type 1 and type 2 diabetes if you have developed the disease. Weight loss, even in modest amounts, can significantly improve your blood sugar control and reduce the need for medication.

Medication

The most common are insulin, oral medications, and non-insulin injections.

Insulin is essential to help manage type 1 diabetes and is sometimes necessary to manage type 2 diabetes. 

Oral medications for type 2 diabetes could include medication like metformin to help reduce the glucose production in your liver and help make your body better at using the insulin it produces.

Non-insulin injections could include medication like GLP-1 receptor agonists to help lower your blood sugar levels. It can also help with weight loss.

Blood Sugar Monitoring

Since this disease affects your blood sugar levels, it is very important to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels.

By monitoring it, it helps you adjust your diet, physical activity, and medication. You can use a glucometer at home to test your blood sugar levels multiple times daily. 

Psychological Support

Living with diabetes can be challenging and stressful. Psychological support is a vital component to help you manage the disease.

You can consider counselling or joining support groups that can help individuals cope with the emotional aspects of having this disease. Surrounding yourself with friends who understand your dietary changes could not hurt either.

To Round Things Off

Managing this disease is doable, but it requires a serious commitment. You need to make changes to your lifestyle. By adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and adhering to prescribed medications and monitoring protocols, you can live a healthy and fulfilling life.