Health Network News

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.

Diabetes Type 2

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

Some women might experience Gestational Diabetes which is Diabetes during their pregnancy. Many women will not have Diabetes after their pregnancy, although about 5-10% will have Type 2 Diabetes. During a pregnancy where the mother has Gestational Diabetes the baby will gain weight quickly.

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.

It is possible to prevent Type 2 Diabetes. This is good since most people who have Diabetes fall into this type. To reduce risks of Type 2 Diabetes you should focus on becoming more physically active as well as eating a balanced diet.

Losing weight and having a healthy balanced diet are two areas to focus to prevent Type 2 Diabetes. By losing 5-7% of your current body weight you will greatly be reducing your level of risk of becoming Type 2 Diabetic. Concentrate your diet on whole grains, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats. Also, you should reduce intake of refined carbohydrates, sugars and sugary drinks. Quit smoking if you currently smoke.

Begin exercising 30 minutes per day can help with losing weight as well as controlling blood sugar levels. By using your muscles more you will help them use insulin more effectively to absorb glucose in your bloodstream to keep blood sugar moderate and not too high.

Diabetes is a disease that you have an element of control in preventing. By improving your daily habits such as your diet and exercising you can greatly decrease your risk of Type 2 Diabetes. 9 out of 10 Type 2 Diabetes cases could have been prevented.