Diabetes
is a very serious condition, but proper diet, glucose monitoring, and
exercise can substantially improve our ability to control the
condition. We should attempt to educate ourselves not only in the
importance of tight blood sugar control, but also the various methods
and options available to help in this regard.
Type 2 diabetes is sometimes referred to as mature onset diabetes. Type
2 diabetes is much more common than Type I. In Type 2 diabetes the
pancreas either does not produce adequate levels of insulin or the body
becomes resistant to its own insulin.
Type I diabetes, also known as adolescent diabetes, differs from Type 2
in that the body stops producing insulin altogether. Type I diabetes is
generally diagnosed in children or young adults. Type 2 diabetes is
usually diagnosed in older adults, however, it is becoming
substantially more prevalent in the younger population.
With the onset of diabetes, whether it be Type I or Type 2, we lose our
ability to adequately utilize sugar. When this occurs, blood sugar
levels increase due to the body’s inability to transport sugar into the
cells and out of the blood stream. Sugar is very important in that it
is the basic fuel source for the cells in our bodies. Insulin is
necessary for the transport of sugar from the blood and into the cells.
Diabetes is a serious condition and can lead to many other health
problems. Some problems that diabetics commonly encounter are an
increased risk for heart and circulatory problems, high blood pressure,
visual problems and blindness, nerve damage, and kidney damage. With
the diagnosis of diabetes, it becomes extremely important that blood
sugar fluctuations are tightly controlled. With good control of blood
sugar levels and the prevention of prolonged periods of elevated blood
sugar, people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives.
Fortunately for the newly diagnosed diabetic, there are more and more
tools available to help monitor and control the condition. Glucose
meters are becoming smaller and easier to use. Blood samples necessary
for glucose meter use are much smaller than in the past. Painful finger
pricks can now be avoided with blood samples being able to be taken
from alternate, less sensitive areas, such as the forearm. In the
relatively near future, there will be non-invasive glucose monitoring
devices not requiring a sample of blood at all.
A simple blood test, known as the A1c test, can measure the average
blood glucose levels over the previous three months. This test is a
very good way to monitor and critique how effective current treatments,
diet, medications, etc. have been recently. This test is now available
for home use and as such does not even require a visit to the doctor.
Type 2 diabetics have more options available to them for blood sugar
control than do Type I diabetics. Not only are there oral medications,
often eliminating the need for insulin injection treatment, but other
methods that may eliminate the need for medications altogether.
Type 2 diabetics should look to multiple sources of information in
order to determine the best methods available to deal with their
condition. A good start is a physician specializing in the treatment of
diabetes. Most physician specialists will have nutritional counseling
available to help understand the relationship of various food items
with blood sugar levels.
Additionally, diabetics should become very familiar with vitamin,
mineral, and herbal options to improve blood sugar metabolism and
control. A few examples of supplements that are well known to help in
this regard are chromium, magnesium, and vanadyl sulfate. Various
natural glucose transport factors can be very helpful in aiding the
body’s transport of glucose from the blood and into the cells. Vanadyl
sulfate has been shown to improve glucose sensitivity and decrease
insulin resistance.
Various herbal preparations have been shown to significantly improve
blood sugar levels, sugar metabolism, and reportedly even improve the
function of the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. Notably,
Gymnema sylvestre, known as “sugar destroyer” in Sandskrit, has been
shown to have positive effects and benefits for diabetics.
Along with proper nutrition, appropriate supplements and vitamins,
other important considerations are weight control and exercise. Excess
weight tremendously increases the burden on the pancreas as fat
requires much more insulin than lean tissue. Exercise not only helps
control body fat and reduce weight, but additionally aids the transport
of sugar from the blood and into the cells.
Diabetes is a very serious condition, but proper diet, glucose
monitoring, and exercise can substantially improve our ability to
control the condition. We should attempt to educate ourselves not only
in the importance of tight blood sugar control, but also the various
methods and options available to help in this regard. By utilizing good
judgment in diet, weight control, exercise, and appropriate
supplementation, diabetics can markedly reduce complications and lead
long and healthy lives.
For further information and valuable diabetes resources, please go to http://www.diabetessites.com
