Diabetes
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot make proper use of carbohydrate in food, because the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or the insulin is ineffective, or, it can be a combination of both of these. Insulin which is a hormone, helps glucose (sugar) from the digestion of carbohydrate in food, move into the body cells, where it is used for energy. When insulin is absent or it is ineffective, glucose builds up in the blood.
In Type 1 diabetes there is no insulin present in the body, so the glucose stays in the blood.
In Type 2 diabetes there is not enough insulin or there is insulin but the body becomes resistant to use it.
How do you know if you have Diabetes?
In Type 1 it is usually obvious. Acute onset usually in a young person or child.
Weight loss, ketouria (fat storage being used up), raised random blood sugar. This can suggest diagnosis.
In Type 2 it can be more difficult as many people are symptomatic. Suspicion is essential, as up to 50% of people with diabetes remain undiagnosed. Thirst, dry mouth, passing more urine / & at night, more prone to infection.
Type 2 may present with complications of diabetes or worsening of associated conditions: Painful legs/feet, diabetic foot, diabetic renal disease, angina, claudication & impotence.
Risk factors for developing Type 2 Diabetes
-Age 50+ but this is decreasing
-Close family
-Overweight
-Physical inactivity
-Previous Gestational Diabetes
Treatment
-Type 1 - Balanced diet. Insulin Injections. New inhaler.
-Type 2 - Healthy eating. Diet. Tablets. Insulin.
Reduction of blood sugars, cholesterol, & good blood-pressure control, can all help in preventing complications of diabetes.
How to help yourself stay healthy
85% patients with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes and nearly all these patients are overweight, therefore well over half the diabetes we see, which is increasing in epidemic proportions are preventable. Excess calorie intake, lack of exercise, obesity are the key to this condition. The pancreas copes for some years progressively increasing more insulin to the excess carbohydrate that is consumed, until it is unable to cope and diabetes ensues. Without a change in life-style the condition will gradually progress, although the addition of tablets, and later insulin, slows the process, the eventual outcome is complications and a shortened lifespan. The key to treatment is therefore, weight control, appropriate diet, exercise, stopping smoking, and treating high cholesterol and blood pressure.
Optimal diet in Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which the body cannot make proper use of carbohydrate in food, because the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or the insulin is ineffective, or, it can be a combination of both of these. Insulin which is a hormone, helps glucose (sugar) from the digestion of carbohydrate in food, move into the body cells, where it is used for energy. When insulin is absent or it is ineffective, glucose builds up in the blood.
In Type 1 diabetes there is no insulin present in the body, so the glucose stays in the blood.
In Type 2 diabetes there is not enough insulin or there is insulin but the body becomes resistant to use it.
How do you know if you have Diabetes?
In Type 1 it is usually obvious. Acute onset usually in a young person or child.
Weight loss, ketouria (fat storage being used up), raised random blood sugar. This can suggest diagnosis.
In Type 2 it can be more difficult as many people are symptomatic. Suspicion is essential, as up to 50% of people with diabetes remain undiagnosed. Thirst, dry mouth, passing more urine / & at night, more prone to infection.
Type 2 may present with complications of diabetes or worsening of associated conditions: Painful legs/feet, diabetic foot, diabetic renal disease, angina, claudication & impotence.
Risk factors for developing Type 2 Diabetes
-Age 50+ but this is decreasing
-Close family
-Overweight
-Physical inactivity
-Previous Gestational Diabetes
Treatment
-Type 1 - Balanced diet. Insulin Injections. New inhaler.
-Type 2 - Healthy eating. Diet. Tablets. Insulin.
Reduction of blood sugars, cholesterol, & good blood-pressure control, can all help in preventing complications of diabetes.
How to help yourself stay healthy
85% patients with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes and nearly all these patients are overweight, therefore well over half the diabetes we see, which is increasing in epidemic proportions are preventable. Excess calorie intake, lack of exercise, obesity are the key to this condition. The pancreas copes for some years progressively increasing more insulin to the excess carbohydrate that is consumed, until it is unable to cope and diabetes ensues. Without a change in life-style the condition will gradually progress, although the addition of tablets, and later insulin, slows the process, the eventual outcome is complications and a shortened lifespan. The key to treatment is therefore, weight control, appropriate diet, exercise, stopping smoking, and treating high cholesterol and blood pressure.
Optimal diet in Diabetes
Aims to reduce Body mass index (BMI) to the normal weight, and avoid waistline obesity.
Avoid all processed & manufactured packaged foods.
Increase fish intake, especially oily fish.
Increase fruit & vegetables, 5-6 portions per day.
Optimise carbohydrate as wholemeal products of pasta, brown rice, and eat less potatoes.
Increase fibre, oats, fruit & vegetables.
Choose lower glycaemic index foods.
Sugar free drinks, low calorie diet.
Increase in various nuts, pulses, whole grains and seeds (sunflower, flax).
Alcohol in moderation, ideally red wine 2 unit/day.
Weight loss. Try and lose 2lb a week if overweight.
Have a smaller plate so eat less, low fat, low salt, low sugar diet.
Cut down on carbohydrates if Type 2, have low glycaemic carbohydrates, have some bean meals in place of meat, have oily fish. Plus green vegetables & fresh fruit.
Smoking. Giving up smoking is one of the most positive things you can do to improve your health & reduce risks of diabetes complications.
Exercise. Important part of diabetes management. It regulates blood glucose levels, reduces weight, improves blood cholesterol & blood-pressure, preventing coronary heart disease also. Walking, gardening, swimming, exercises, bowling, cycling, dancing, running, golf, table tennis etc.
LINKS
RD&E Devon Hospital www.devondiabetics.co.uk
Diabetes UK www.diabetes.org.uk