Type 2 Diabetes Prevention

A person who is diagnosed with high content of glucose in blood is surely suffering from the medical condition known as diabetes. Two kinds of diabetes are known till date: Type 1 diabetes (diabetes mellitus type 1) and Type 2 diabetes (diabetes mellitus type 2). Of these, type 1 is a condition in which there is an autoimmune destruction of insulin producing beta cells of pancreas. This condition can lead to frequent urination, increased hunger and thirst followed by weight loss. Whereas type 2 is a diabetic condition caused by high sugar in blood. This condition can arise when the insulin produced by pancreas does not have an effect over the metabolism of the body or if the pancreas do not produce sufficient insulin to start a normal metabolism.

Causes

Pancreas is a gland located behind the stomach of a human body. Whenever we eat food, the pancreas secrete the hormone insulin into the bloodstream. After the intestinal absorption of fluids and digestion, this insulin in bloodstream helps in replenishing the cells of the body with sugar. This is how we derive energy. Liver also has an important role to play as it is the storage depot and manufacturer of glucose in our body. So when we are not eating, the pancreas almost stop insulin secretion and the liver breaks down the stored glucose molecules to sustain normal sugar level in blood. Now, the type 2 diabetic condition is caused when this process does not function correctly. If the insulin secretion is not enough or if the insulin is not capable of transmitting the glucose into the body cells, the sugar level starts rising in the bloodstream, thereby thickening the blood. This leads to insufficient metabolism in the body. Diabetes is a result of this metabolic disorder.

Symptoms

Following are some of the prominent diabetes symptoms that indicate an abnormal sugar level in blood:

• Increased thirst and hunger
• Frequent urination
• Slow healing of sores and external injuries
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Sudden weight loss
• Patches of dark skin (acanthosis nigricans)

Risks

• Prolonged inactivity
• Excessive weight gain
• Hypertension
• Chronic pancreatitis
• Elevated levels of bad cholesterol
• Aging
• Genetic factors in family lines and races
• Prediabetes (A condition where blood sugar levels may rise in blood suddenly)
• Gestational diabetes (Diabetes in women during pregnancy)

How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

Eat Healthy
Say no to junk food. Everyday diabetic diet must necessarily include whole grains and a lot of green leafy vegetables with ample fiber content. Spinach, bitter gourds, green beans, turnips, radish, artichoke, asparagus, green cabbages, broccoli, sprouts, egg plants, okras, mushrooms and lettuce are excellent supplements for sustaining a healthy body. These vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals (like sodium, potassium and calcium) and unsaturated fats that help the body in appropriate sugar absorption. The best recommended oil for cooking is olive oil (as it has lots of unsaturated fat). Any food with saturated fats like high carb meat and dairy products must be strictly avoided. Lean meat can be consumed though. Also make it a point to consume a lot of fruits (which are rich in vitamins) on a daily basis. Natural herbs to lower blood sugar levels in the body include neem and holy basil.

Exercise Regularly
Engaging in physical activities help in breaking down the accumulated fats in your body. This in turn helps in thinning down the blood stream thereby helping in effective functioning of insulin. Walking daily for 30 minutes in the morning and in the evening will keep your body fit. For people suffering from obesity, they can join gyms and try out physical exercises to burn down extra fats.

Avoid Alcoholic Beverages
Say no to alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the liver. As already stated above, liver plays an important role in the distribution of glucose in bloodstream. Also too much of alcohol consumption can lead to excessive weight gain which again poses as a major risk factor for diabetes mellitus type 2.

Quit Smoking
"Smoking is injurious to health" is a known fact! But how many follow it? Diabetes mellitus type 2 is also one of the consequences of chain smoking. So it is better to nip the cause in the bud rather than waiting for the affliction to happen.

Drink Water
Drink lot of water everyday. Water is one of those natural medicines which must be compulsorily consumed on a daily basis. It washes away all the toxins of the body and helps in cleaning the bloodstream. 8 pints of water a day will keep your system healthy and gay!

So these were some type 2 Diabetes prevention techniques which can help in keeping such medical conditions at bay! People who have just been diagnosed with diabetes can switch to diabetic diet. Not to miss on a very important point, people who might have a prediabetes condition must take extreme care of their foot as external injuries do not heal easily. Remember to get a blood sugar test done, once in 2 months. Check for your blood sugar levels using a simple glucometer. If the reading is between 70-130 before meals and is below 180, 1-2 hours post meals, it implies you are fit as a fiddle. Any drastic variations from these readings indicates onset of diabetes. In such a case, diabetic treatment must be sought at the earliest.

Diabetes as a disorder can strike anyone, young or old. There is absolutely no better cure in this world other than a healthy diet. People suffering from diabetes over a long duration of time have been victimized by other complications like retinal damage, cardiovascular ailments and kidney disorders. Diabetes is only a metabolic disorder. However, the repercussions of this disorder can lead to life-threatening afflictions. So eat healthy and stay fit!