All you need to know about Eating and Diabetes

November, being the National Diabetes Month, is the time to spread awareness about the causes and prevention of Diabetes Type I and Type II. Diabetes is an ailment that causes blood glucose level to reach above the normal level. Most of the edibles turn into sugar or glucose for our bodies to utilize for energy. To help the glucose get into our body cells, the pancreas secretes hormone called insulin. When diabetes is diagnosed, it is due sugar buildup in the body, which is the result of insufficient production of insulin or insulin being not as effective as required. 

Types Of Diabetes

• Type 1: This type was earlier known as juvenile-onset diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
• Type 2: This type was earlier known as adult-onset diabetes or non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
• Gestational: This type is found only in pregnant ladies. If not treated, the condition may cause trouble for mothers and babies. Gestational diabetes usually disappears when a pregnancy is over.
• Other Specific Types: There are other types of diabetes that result from specific genetic syndromes, drugs, surgery, infections, malnutrition, and other sicknesses.

Symptoms Of Diabetes

There may be at times, that people may suffer from diabetes, and stay unaware of the fact. This may be due to the symptoms, as they seem to be harmless. If taken preventive measures on time, complications and severe diabetes problem could be solved. Here under are the common symptoms of diabetes:

• Polyuria - Frequent urination
• Polydipsia - Disproportionate thirst
• Polyphagia - Intense hunger
• Unusual weight loss
• Irritability
• More skin and/or yeast infections
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Increased fatigue
• Numbness or tingling, especially in your feet and hands
• Cuts and bruises don't heal properly or quickly
• Sexual dysfunction among men
• Itchy skin
• Heart Disease
• Dental Problems

Risk Factor

Diabetes major complications are both acute and chronic.

• Acute Complications of Diabetes: Hypoglycemia (abnormally low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (dangerously elevated blood sugar), may be caused due to medications.
• Chronic Complications of Diabetes: Blood vessels (both small and large) disease, which may cause damaging effect on eyes, feet, kidneys, heart and nerves.

Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes

The risk of pre diabetes and type 2 diabetes is relatively high if you:

• Are overweight.
• Are 45 years of age or older.
• Have a family history of type 2 diabetes.
• Ever gave birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds.
• Are physically active less than three times per week.
• Ever had diabetes while pregnant (gestational diabetes).

Treatment

The treatment of diabetes focuses on major goal of minimizing the blood sugar (glucose) level without resulting in abnormally low blood sugar level.

• Type 1: For type 1 diabetes, insulin, exercise, and a diabetic diet is required as treatment.
• Type 2: For type 2 diabetes, weight reduction is majorly considered as the treatment. Moreover, a diabetic diet, and exercise are also important.

When such treatments fail to control the blood sugar level in body, oral medications are then used. Lastly, insulin treatment is considered when oral medications also prove to be insufficient.


Blood Glucose Levels

Consult your doctor about how frequently you should check your blood glucose level. Also know about the A1C test, which is advisable to be taken at least twice a year. This test is to know the average blood glucose for the last 3 months. The blood glucose check and A1C test will help you to know whether you are diabetic or not.

Target Blood Glucose Levels for People with Diabetes -

• Before Meals: 70 to 130
• 1 to 2 hours after the start of a meal: less than 180

Some simple activities such as being physically active, making wise food choices, and taking medicines if needed, can provide to be very effective keeping the blood glucose levels on target.


Diet plan for Diabetes

Following a set routine for snacks, meals, and physical activities are considered very fruitful for diabetic patients. Here is a small synopsis of a proper diet chart to control the blood glucose level by eating right.

• About 1,200 to 1,600 calories per day if you are a-
• Small woman who exercises
• Small or medium-sized woman who wants to lose weight
• Medium-sized woman who does not exercise much

To fulfill this requirement, you may include 6 starches, 2 milks, 3 vegetables, 4 to 6 ounces meat and meat substitutes, 2 fruits and up to 3 fats in your diet.

• About 1,600 to 2,000 calories per day if you are a-
• Large woman who wants to lose weight
• Small man at a healthy weight
• Medium-sized man who does not exercise much
• Medium-sized or large man who wants to lose weight

To fulfill this requirement, you may include 8 starches, 2 milks, 4 vegetables, 4 to 6 ounces meat and meat substitutes, 3 fruits and up to 4 fats in your diet.

• About 2,000 to 2,400 calories a day if you are a-
• Medium-sized or large man who exercises a lot or has a physically active job
• Large man at a healthy weight
• Medium-sized or large woman who exercises a lot or has a physically active job

To fulfill this requirement, you may include 10 starches, 2 milks, 4 vegetables, 5 to 7 ounces meat and meat substitutes, 4 fruits and up to 5 fats in your diet.

Do not take your health for granted. Keep a close check on your blood glucose level to avoid type 1 & 2 diabetes. It's especially essential to make diabetes prevention a priority if you're at increased risk of diabetes. Change your diet, increase your level of physical activity, maintain a healthy weight...with these positive lifestyle changes, you can stay healthier longer and reduce your risk of diabetes.

Written By Neelam Talreja:


Neelam Talreja is in writing articles, blogs, research papers, whitepapers, and technology reviews on Healthcare in India. Her works include a comprehensive guide for first time medical tourist in India looking for affordable Medical Treatments in India. :