Diabetes is a common word that can be heard on any given day in almost any place. According to American Diabetes Association, the United States along has a population of 25.8 million children and adults living with diabetes. That's roughly 8.3% of the population, and that number is growing with the prevalence of fast food and inactivity in modern day society.
Classified as a metabolism disorder, diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is a condition in which the quantity of glucose in the blood is too high. Glucose, a principal source of fuel for the human body, is a form of sugar, and enters our cells through insulin. Diabetics either produce too little insulin or have cells that don't respond properly to insulin, which is called Type 2 diabetes. Diabetics who produce no insulin at all are referred to as having Type 1 diabetes.
Dr. Michael Olden, DO, FACOI, and physician at Franciscan Physicians Hospital, gives the following information to help increase your awareness of diabetes and to protect yourself for the future.
"There are some preventative measures that you can take to guard yourself against diabetes. First off, maintain a healthy diet by ensuring that what you're eating has good fats, as opposed to bad fats, and try to avoid excessive sugar intake of the wrong kinds; specifically refined sugars. Furthermore, you should have your glucose levels checked, and individuals with a family history of diabetes should have what's called a C-peptide test to monitor the insulin being produced in your pancreas."
Dr. Olden continues by stating that "the typical onset age for diabetes can vary, but it's becoming lower as we enter an age of unhealthy eating and minimial exercise. In knowing that the condition cannot be fully reversed, individuals should take a comprehensive look at what they're eating and their level of exercise. There are many components of diet to consider, but diabetes comes from the sugar in your body."
Other tips for avoiding diabetes include eliminating refined carbohydrates such as soft drinks, fruit drinks and white rice; focusing on plant foods that are high in fiber; choosing healthy fats such as those found in Omega 3 fish, raw nuts, whole grains and olive oil; and lastly, quitting smoking. Smokers are known to be at least 50% more likely to develop diabetes than nonsmokers.
By utilizing these precautions, you can lower your chances of getting diabetes. For more information regarding diabetes and diabetic care, visit our complete online health library or the American Diabetes Association.
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