Diabetes is a disease that interferes with the way body cells use glucose (all starches and carbohydrates are broken down to form glucose). Glucose is the necessary fuel that cells use to live and function. When carbohydrates are eaten, they are digested and blood glucose levels rise. This increase in blood glucose levels causes the pancreas to release a hormone called insulin. Only when insulin is present, will the glucose in the blood be transported into the cells where it is needed. This will restore blood glucose levels back to normal levels.
In diabetes, either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin OR the cells can not properly use the insulin that is produced. WHAT WILL THE RESULT BE? Obviously glucose will be not be able to enter the cells and will remain in the blood - leading to high blood sugar or hyperglycaemia. Prolonged hyperglycaemia is a risk factor for the development of:
* Visual loss
* Kidney failure
* High blood pressure
* Cardiovascular disease
* Neurological disorders
There are three types of diabetes:
1. Type 1 diabetes
The pancreas either stops making insulin or does not make enough of it. It is therefore necessary to administer insulin, usually by injection. For this reason Type 1 is also called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM).
2. Type 2 diabetes
Occurs when the pancreas does make insulin BUT the cells do not respond to the insulin the way they should. The cells almost become resistant to the effects of insulin. In this case it is obvious that insulin therapy would be of no benefit - it is for this reason that Type 2 does not appear as suddenly as Type 1. it often progresses slowly and usually strikes people over 40. Because of its slow progression, many people do not realise that they are developing the condition.
There is a tendency for Type 2 to run in families, but another risk factor, such as obesity, is usually present.
3. Gestational diabetes
this develops in females during pregnancy because certain hormones which are active during pregnancy work against insulin. This results in a shortage of insulin and energy demands of the mother and child cannot be met. This diabetes usually disappears once the baby is born, however, woman who have gestational diabetes are at high risk of developing diabetes later in life.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?
The signs and symptoms may be so mild that people are often unaware of them and just dismiss them. The disease therefore progresses and is not notices by many who have it. The most important signs and symptoms of diabetes include:
* Frequent urination
* Extreme thirst
* Constant hunger
* Fatigue
* Blurred vision
* Sudden weight loss
* Numbness in the extremities (fingers and toes)
* Slow healing of skin wounds
There are long-term complications in people who have any kind of diabetes. Changes in the small blood vessels and nerves are very common. These changes can lead to complications such as:
* Heart disease
* Eye problems
* Foot problems
* Kidney disease
WHO IS AT RISK?
According to statistics, 8% of the South African population have diabetes, which makes it one of South Africa's major diseases. In addition, half of the people with type 2 diabetes are undiagnosed, making screening vital - especially if you fall into a high-risk category.
Anyone can develop diabetes but the following factors increase the risk:
* Age (Type 2 usually has an onset from middle age onwards)
* Obesity increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes.
* Hypertension (high blood pressure)
* High blood lipids
* In woman, gestational diabetes
* A family history of diabetes
HOW IS DIABETES TREATED?
There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be treated effectively through a combination of diet, exercise and medication/supplementation.
1. Diet
Complex carbohydrates with a low glycaemic index should be the body's main source of energy. These foods are digested into glucose slowly over a prolonged period, therefore leading to a steady release of insulin by the pancrease - leading to sustained energy production by the body. This avoids those "high" and "lows" in energy and puts less strain on the pancreas. These foods are also a valuable source of fibre, which is important for diabetics and non diabetics. Meals should be small and regular and should contain roughly the same amount of starch.
* Aim to eat about 5 servings of vegetables and fruit a day
* Lean meats should be eaten every day. These are digested into amino acids which are the building blocks of protein. Growth and repair of the body depends on these proteins. Choose meats that are low in fat such as chicken or fish. Alternative protein sources include eggs, pulses, legumes and soya.
* Eat fats sparingly. Too much fat results in weight gain which exacerbates diabetes and can increase the risk of heart disease.
* Alcohol should be limited to one drink a day for woman and two drinks a day for men. Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach.
* Consult a registered health professional for individualized dietary advice and an eating plan.
2. Exercise
Exercise is especially important for a person with diabetes because it protects against the long-term complications associated with diabetes and also helps to control blood glucose levels. Aim to exercise 4 times a week, even if it is only a 20 minute walk.
3. Supplementation
FoodState® Sugar Balance Formula is a vitamin and mineral supplement that can be used in conjunction with diet, medication and lifestyle changes to improve the way the body utilises energy.
HYPOGLYCAEMIA
WHAT IS HYPOGLYCAEMIA?
Hypoglycaemia is low blood sugar. Eating sugary foods causes the body to secrete large amounts of insulin. Insulin is a hormone that pushes glucose (sugar) into cells where it is needed. In the hypoglycaemic person, the sugar is used up before the insulin is, causing the blood sugar to drop too low.
Some drugs can also cause a decrease in blood glucose. Alcohol depresses blood sugar.
Hypoglycaemia can be classified according to two types:
1. Reactive hypoglycaemia (postprandial)
Blood sugar drops to abnormally low levels two to five hours after eating a meal. This results from the over secretion of insulin by the pancreas. As the blood sugar drops, stress hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol kick in at high levels to prevent the blood sugar level from dropping dramatically
2. Fasting hypoglycaemia
This occurs as a result of not eating a meal for eight or more hours. The symptoms are often more severe than those of reactive hypoglycaemia and can include seizures, loss of consciousness and a loss of mental acuity. Liver disease or a tumour of the pancreas is usually the cause of this type of hypoglycaemia.
WHT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS?
A person suffering from hypoglycaemia may display any or all of the following symptoms:
Fatigue, dizziness, heart palpitations, nausea, blurred vision, inability to concentrate, lightheadedness, headache, irritability, fainting spells, depression, anxiety, cravings for sweets, weakness in the legs, confusion, night sweats, constant huger, pains in the people with hypoglycaemia can become very aggressive and lose their tempers easily.
Any or all of these symptoms may occur a few hours after eating sweets or fats. The onset and severity of symptoms are directly related to the length of time since the last meal was eaten and the type of foods that the mean contained.
WHO IS THE RISK?
It is becoming more common in those who are consuming a diet high in refined, simple carbohydrates, sugars, alcohol, caffeine, and soft drinks. High stress levels are believed to be a contributing factor in hypoglycaemia.
Many other disorders can cause hypoglycaemic problems as well. These include: Adrenal insufficiency, thyroid disorders, pituitary disorders, kidney disease, pancreatitis, immune deficiency and candidiasis.
HOW IS HYPOGLYCAEMIA TREATED?
* Avoid alcohol, canned and packaged foods, refined and processes foods, dried fruits, salt sugar, saturated fats, soft drinks and white flour. Avoid foods that contain artificial colours or preservatives.
* Sweeten foods with natural sweeteners such as stevia.
* Eat a diet high in fibre and low in fat
* Do not go without food or consume large, heavy meals. Eat regular small meals throughout the day.
* Exercise regularly - this helps to maintain steady blood sugar levels. Eat one to three hours prior to exercise.
* Stress management by meditating, listening to music, getting a massage, deep breathing techniques.
* Supplement appropriately.
FoodState® Sugar Balance Formula is a vitamin and mineral supplement that can be used in conjunction with diet, medication and lifestyle changes to improve the way the body utilises energy.
* Consult a registered health professional for individualized dietary advice and an eating plan.
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