Diabetes: Long Term Effects and Prevention
Diabetes stats are staggering. It is estimated that approximately 470 million people globally are living with this condition. In the US alone, the indications show that at least 1 in 3 people are pre-diabetic.
This means that, unless we're willing to make some changes, things will only get worse.
What is diabetes?
In general, diabetes is a condition that results in excess sugar levels (glucose) in the blood. This is further broken down into two major categories:
Type 1 Diabetes
This is basically insulin-dependent diabetes and results when the pancreas produces too little insulin. Genetic factors and even viruses can contribute to this, and although it usually appears during childhood, adults can develop type 1 diabetes at any time.
There is currently no cure and the most common symptoms are increased thirst, hunger, frequent urination, fatigue, and weight loss.
Type 2 Diabetes
This type of diabetes is a result of an impairment in the way the body both uses and regulates sugar in the blood. It can be a combination of your increase in not producing enough insulin and your cells not taking in enough sugar, and the onset of Type 2 diabetes is mainly seen in adults.
The symptoms of this type of diabetes are similar to type 1, but additional signs to look for are slow healing sores, frequent infections, and tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. People at risk include those who are overweight and inactive, as well as pre-diabetics.
Diabetes and its effects
Diabetes in one way or another adds further complications to other conditions. In addition to this, people with diabetes are at risk of potential comorbidities including:
These effects are long-lasting but the good news is that diabetes can be managed both with medication and lifestyle changes.
How to prevent diabetes
In as much as we may suffer from the healthy approach to fatigue, the reality is that prevention is better than cure. Healthy choices can both prevent and slow down the progress of the disease, and making the decision to do so is in your best interests especially if you're pre-diabetic.
Changing your diet
Foods lower in fat and processed sugars are vital to a healthier diet. Equally important is your family calorie and fiber intake, with regular smaller meals that are higher in nutrients.
Exercise
Regular activity has tremendous benefits. Not only does it aid weight loss, but it keeps your heart and other vital organs working. The goal is at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week. Do something that you enjoy since the options are endless.
Weight loss
Obesity in itself is a huge risk factor. Although genetics can be involved, this condition is mainly a combination of two things - lack of exercise and a poor diet. Using the first two methods above should get you well on your way to losing a few extra pounds. In general, weight loss can delay the onset and progress of diabetes.
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