Diabetes is a common disease - In the US for example, it is
estimated that over eighteen million Americans are suffers,
and that almost a third of them are unaware they are
diabetic. Diabetes is associated with a lack of insulin or
with problems that the body has in using insulin. Insulin
is what our body uses to turn our food into the energy we
need, so any problems here can clearly have serious
consequences. Anyone who thinks they might be diabetic
should go talk to their physician. Below are a few
important facts about the disease.

There are two types of diabetes referred to simply as Type
1 or Type 2. Whilst they do have some features in common,
overall they are very different and are treated in
different ways.

What then are the characteristics of these two types?

Type 1 diabetes is a genetic disorder resulting from
the pancreas' failure to produce insulin in the first
place. For this reason, this type is found in children
and young adults whose bodies are for some reason
destroying the beta cells that produce insulin. What
this means is that glucose remains in the blood stream
instead of getting broken down into energy. Too much
glucose in the blood can cause a diabetic coma, and
that's why treatment is essential. Insulin injections
can help to correct the situation.

By contrast Type 2 diabetes is developed later in life.
Most people who have diabetes will have this type. Although
it is still not known what causes Type 2 diabetes, like
Type 1 it can also be genetic, and some ethnic groups are
more predisposed than others. However other things such as
a sedentary lifestyle, being very overweight, and simply
getting older, also play a part.

Rather than attacking and destroying the beta cells, this
type of diabetes makes it difficult for body to take up the
insulin that is created.  However, the good thing about this
type of diabetes is that it can be prevented by a more healthy
lifestyle such as a balanced diet, taking regular exercise and
controlling body weight.

Exercise is especially important for those with diabetes
as it can help lower blood glucose and helps the body
respond to the insulin produced. It also has positive
effects on stress, circulation and cholesterol. For some
Type 2 sufferers a combination of exercise and correct diet
can reduce the need for medication.

Diets rich is complex carbohydrates such as fruits,
vegetables and whole grains are believed in help in the
prevention of diabetes. For people with diabetes however,
it is important to be aware of the effect of all foods on
the disease, as some carbohydrates are broken down
differently and effect glucose levels in different ways. If
in doubt diabetics can refer to the glycemic index (usually
called GI index) which provides information on all foods
and their likely effect.

Most diets that promote a healthy regime will urge people
to eat more fibre. This also applies to people with
diabetes where it has the added benefit of helping to
control glucose levels, keeping them at a lower level.
Whilst fats and oils are very important to a healthy diet
most people would do better to avoid saturated fats (animal
fats) because of problems with high cholesterol and to
stick to olive oils and fish oils for their essential fat
intake. This is very important to those with diabetes as
they are often predisposed to developing cardiovascular
diseases.

Hana Jacovado was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 29,
and now helps other diabetics take better care of themselves
through her website Face Diabetes. Join her online community and access her expanding library of diabetes information-  http://www.facediabetes.com

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