During my research, and due to the biology A level course I am studying, I became really interested in the science and the current news surrounding the disease. I noticed that diabetes (specifically type 2) is increasing as a disease, and is thought to be only getting worse.
It has been blamed on the high calorie diets we are eating and our in active lifestyles we are leading along with no additional exercise.
WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes is a condition in which the amount of glucose
(sugar) in the bloodstream is too high because the body
cannot control it properly. Blood glucose level is normally kept consistent in a safe range, by a hormone called INSULIN, it produced by the pancreas.
It can control blood glucose levels by allowing glucose to enter the cells so it can be used as energy/ fuel for the body. In people with diabetes there is either not enough insulin being produced, or it does not work properly.
WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO TYPES?
Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1 diabetes. Around 90% of all adults in the UK with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
It can control blood glucose levels by allowing glucose to enter the cells so it can be used as energy/ fuel for the body. In people with diabetes there is either not enough insulin being produced, or it does not work properly.
WHATS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO TYPES?
- Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to produce any insulin and this has to be replaced, usually through insulin injections.
- Type 2 diabetes is when the body is able to make some insulin but not enough, or when the insulin produced does not work properly (called 'insulin resistance').
Type 2 is the one most associated with obesity and bad diets.
The main symptoms of diabetes are:
- feeling very thirsty
- going to the toilet a lot, especially at night
- extreme tiredness
- weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
The links between obesity and diabetes have been firmly established.
WHY IS IT SUCH A HEALTH PROBLEM?
- Heart disease, caused by:
- high cholesterol and/or
- high blood pressure
- Asthma
- Sleep apnea
- Social discrimination
- Hepatic steatosis: the fatty degeneration of the liver caused by a high concentration of liver enzymes. Weight reduction causes liver enzymes to normalize
HOW TO PREVENT DIABETES TYPE 2 :
- Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain products.
- Include low-fat or non-fat milk or dairy products.
- Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, lentils, and beans for protein.
- Serve reasonably-sized portions.
- Water instead of fizzy beverages or fruit drink/juice ( they're usually very high in calories, see table below)
| Juice | 1 Glass / 200ml | 3 Glasses |
|---|---|---|
| Orange Juice | 87.7 kcal | 260 kcal |
| Pineapple Juice | 100.0 kcal | 300 kcal |
| Grapefruit Juice | 76 kcal | 228 kcal |
| Apple Juice | 94.0 kcal | 282 kcal |
- Limit sugar-sweetened beverages.
- Limit consumption of sugar and saturated fat.
- Ensuring that you participate in some form of physical activity
For more healthy eating guidelines and information click below:
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