Health & Fitness Blog

There are 24 million people in the US who have Diabetes. Individuals who have Diabetes have bodies that do not produce a hormone called insulin or their bodies do not use insulin the right way. Insulin tells your cells to absorb glucose which is found in your bloodstream. Glucose is the form of energy your body produces from the foods you consume. Without insulin to tell your body to absorb glucose you will not be able to get the energy your body needs to function appropriately. Also, without insulin there is an increase of glucose or sugar levels in your bloodstream. Diabetes has a few different variations, some of which are more serious than others.

Type 1 Diabetes

Out of all those who have Diabetes only 5-10% of individuals who have Diabetes have Type 1 Diabetes. In this type of Diabetes the individual’s body does not produce insulin. They will need to take shots of insulin everyday to ensure that their bodies can absorb glucose.

Type 2 Diabetes

Most people who are diagnosed with Diabetes fall into this type of Diabetes, although about 1/3 of the people who have Type 2 Diabetes do not know they have it. Type 2 Diabetes occurs when the body has an insulin resistance, generally not using the insulin correctly. Also, there is usually a deficiency of insulin as well.

Gestational Diabetes

This type of diabetes can happen during pregnancy in some woman. Often times this can cause the baby to gain weight quickly. After a pregnancy where gestational diabetes occurs 5-10% of woman will have diabetes after their pregnancy, usually Type 2 Diabetes.

Pre-Diabetes

There are about 57 million people in the US who have high blood sugar levels but not quite high enough to be considered Type 2 Diabetes. This condition would be considered pre-diabetes.

While some types of Diabetes cannot be avoided it is possible to prevent Type 2 Diabetes. This is done through taking care of your body through appropriate management of diet and physical exercise. Changing lifestyle behaviors to prevent Diabetes will also help you to avoid other life threatening diseases such as heart attacks, strokes and high blood pressure.

You should try to reduce sugars and simple carbohydrates while increasing intake of whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Eating a high protein breakfast and 5-6 smaller meals during the day will help to keep blood sugar level. Having a healthy diet and losing weight will dramatically improve your chances to prevent Type 2 Diabetes.

Physical exercise should be added into your daily routines. Try to participate in 30 minutes of exercise each day, even if it is just walking. This will help in weight loss but also will help level out your blood sugar in your bloodstream. Working your muscles harder and more often will help them to use insulin better to absorb glucose.

Diabetes is a serious disease that many people have, whether they know it or not. This disease can be prevented for many with proper care of one’s weight, diet and physical exercise. Sensitivity to sugars and carbohydrates consumed in your diet with the intention of reducing as well as including 30 minutes of exercise per day will dramatically reduce your risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

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