Diabetes Mellitus: Tips to Help You Control Your Blood Sugar
Posted by in Uncategorized on October 7, 2011
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot properly use sugar as energy. When we eat carbohydrates, they are broken down in the small intestine to simple sugars, one of which is glucose. People without diabetes automatically maintain normal levels of blood glucose, because the pancreas secretes insulin into the blood stream when blood glucose levels rise. The insulin allows the glucose to move from the bloodstream, where it cannot be used, into the body’s cells, where it may be used as energy. People with diabetes do not have enough insulin to do the job of moving the glucose from the blood stream into the cells of the body. As a result, they have too much glucose in their blood. This high level of blood sugar can be measured, and this is one way that physicians can diagnose diabetes. Read the rest of this entry »
Tips to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
Posted by in Diabetes Mellitus on October 7, 2011
By taking some extra steps and by being careful, you can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus is possible if a few healthy lifestyle changes are made and attention is paid to the prevention of diabetes complications associated with this disease. Some steps to prevent diabetes are to make healthy changes in your lifestyle, however medication is also necessary. Many physicians recommend screening for the presence of type 2 diabetes in people aged over 30 who are at risk; and also of those whose family member has a history of diabetes or those who are overweight.
Some risk factors for diabetes, such as age, family history and ethnicity can not be changed. Nevertheless, adherence to healthy diet and increasing physical activity – with or without weight loss – can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
In addition, if you suffer from high blood pressure or are overweight, changes in your habit can help prevent this diabetes. Your doctor may give you specific recommendations, which will be right for you and include changes in diet and exercise which should be followed regularly. It greatly helps in reducing the risk of further complications. Read the rest of this entry »