DietaCerta

Posts Tagged ‘diabetes relief’

The majority of diseases can be prevented and diabetes is no exception except for type 1 diabetes which is believed to be triggered by genetic factors. Some researches suggests that breastfeeding might decrease the risk of type 1 diabetes but so far there are no conclusive evidence. However, type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes can be prevented with healthy lifestyle which is also required for successful management of all types of diabetes.

Risk factors for type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes are well known. If you have overweight problems, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol levels, if you are physically inactive or have a relative with diabetes you are at greater risk to develop type 2 or gestational diabetes during pregnancy. The most effective diabetes prevention is healthy diet which means eating lots of fruits and vegetables as well as reduced intake of foods high in calories and fat to about 30% of your total daily calorie intake. At least one half of your total daily calorie intake should consist of carbohydrates with a low glycemic index: the majority of fruits and vegetables (except for potato and watermelon), legumes, whole grains, pasta, nuts, etc.

In addition to healthy diet you should not forget to be physically active – about 30 minutes for most days in the week will do. However, if you have been physically inactive for a longer period you are recommended to exercise for 10 minutes three times a day. With healthy diet and regular exercise you will be also lose excess pounds and maintain a healthy body weight which is also highly important in prevention of diabetes.

The World Health Organization estimates that more than 220 million people worldwide have diabetes and that the disease is responsible for over 1 million deaths. If left untreated type 1 diabetes can be fatal, while type 2 diabetes can cause serious complications including cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, cataract which can lead to blindness, poorly healing wounds and eventually gangrene as well as shorter life expectancy. Untreated gestational diabetes can seriously affect the health of the fetus.

There is no cure for diabetes and it cannot be reversed with exception of gestational diabetes which might disappear after delivery although women with history of gestational diabetes are at greater risk to develop type 2 diabetes. All types of diabetes can be successfully managed with a combination of healthy diet (very helpful might be low glycemic index foods), regular exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, weight loss, self-monitoring blood sugar levels and taking oral medications in type 2 diabetes or insulin injections in type 1 diabetes. Insulin therapy is also required in type 2 diabetes when not responding to oral medications. Gestational diabetes is usually treated with dietary changes and regular exercise, while some women need to take antidiabetic medications as well.

Oral medications and insulin injections alone are not sufficient to successfully manage the disease. Diabetes management is a lifelong process which requires good education and compliance of the patient.