Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cannot properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that the body needs in order to convert sugar, starch, and other foods into energy. Although the cause of diabetes is not clear, genetics and lifestyle factors such as obesity and lack of physical activity appear to have an influence.

Insulin is a hormone that allows blood glucose to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy. In diabetes too much glucose stays in the blood. Elevated levels of blood glucose, called hyperglycemia, cause glucose spillage into the urine. The result is cells that are starved for energy. Eventually, those starved cells can cause permanent nerve damage.

There are two types of diabetes:

*Type 1 diabetes results from the body’s inability to produce insulin. This type of diabetes requires daily insulin injections to survive.


*Type 2 diabetes results from the body’s inability to properly use insulin. Changes in lifestyle can control type 2 diabetes, but sometimes oral drugs are required.

Most people with diabetes have type 2. As many as half of all people with type 2 diabetes are not aware they have this life-threatening disease because they have no symptoms.

DIABETES SYMPTOMS

You should inform your doctor if you have experienced any of the symptoms listed below:

*Excessive thirst

*Excessive urination

*Blurred vision

*Persistent nausea or vomiting

*Numbness or tingling in your feet

*Hand, feet, face, or leg swelling

*Cramping or pain in the legs

*Shortness of breath

*Extreme fatigue

*Unusual weight gain or weight loss.

*Sweet smelling breath

DIABETES TREATMENT OPTIONS

There is no cure for diabetes. However, there are ways to control it. To control diabetes, you must maintain your blood glucose levels and your weight. Following a healthy diet, a daily exercise regimen, and having regular check-ups with your doctor can help solve both of these problems.

DIET In general, the best type of diet to follow is a low-fat diet. The eating plan for diabetes should be a balanced healthy diet, the same kind that is recommended for the rest of the population.

*Limit consumption of salted foods, refined sugar, and fatty foods, particularly those of animal origin. Choose small amounts of vegetable or olive oil instead.

*Eat a diet rich in fruit and vegetables every day. Your goal should be 5 servings per day.

*Make complex high-fiber carbohydrates a major part of your diet.

EXERCISE Follow a regular exercise plan. Exercise is particularly important for diabetics as it helps to regulate blood sugar levels. If you do not participate in regular exercise, even something as simple as a leisurely walk, consult your doctor for advice about exactly how much exercise you need and what works for you. Any movement is better than none!

Consider the benefits of exercise:

*It reduces demands on the pancreas (The pancreas secretes insulin.)

*It improves circulation.

*It lowers blood sugar.

*It helps promote weight loss.

*It reduces stress.

Managing diabetes requires daily discipline. For the sake of your long-term health, you must not delegate the planning of your diet and lifestyle to someone else. It is your life and your responsibility. You must take an active role. The only way to accomplish this is to learn as much as you can about following a nutritious diet and make some lifestyle changes.

For more information, consult your doctor or dietician. Visit your local library or bookshop. Search the Internet.

By following the guidelines listed above, your body will not only be better able to control your diabetes but will help reduce your risk for other diseases. You will also provide a good example for your family and contribute to their good health as well.

Chris Chenoweth, author of the DO-IT-YOURSELF HOME, HEALTH & MONEY GUIDE, writes articles pertaining to diet, exercise, health, and business.

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