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TYPE 2 DIABETES AND HOW TO CONTROL IT AT HOME

This is a topic I have been wishing to talk about for a while now, because this condition is becoming very rampant in our society today. Type 2 diabetes is also known as Non-Insulin-dependent diabetes;it is common in adults of age group 40 and above,but many young people, children inclusive are developing this disease in our present society.




Type 2 diabetes is a disease characterised by a high level of glucose in the blood due to lack or low level of circulation of the hormone insulin. It is a silent killer as it can develop without symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage when damages has already been done to the body. Out of a100 people 90 are likely to have type 2 diabetes while the rest 10 may have type 1 or other categories of diabetes;this showing how common type 2 diabetes is. Once someone has it,the disease cant be cured rather it can be controlled.

Early symptoms of diabetes

the following are symptoms if observed,you should visit a doctor immediately

Understanding the relationship between glucose and insulin

the body has a homeostatic control which is responsible for regulations in the body such as temperature, sweat...etc. blood sugar level cant rise or fall lower than a certain limit because of homeostatic control. When you eat, the food is broken down in your intestine into sugars. The main sugar is called glucose which passes from your intestinal walls into your blood stream;with this the level of glucose in your blood has increased. The pancreas gets the alert and stimulates the beta cells of the islets of langerhans to secrete the hormone insulin. Insulin works on the cells of your body and makes them take in glucose from the blood stream. Some of the glucose is been used up by the cells for energy while some is been converted into glycogen or fat(energy stores) when the sugar level starts falling,(that is between meals)insulin also falls. The pancreas triggers the convention of glycogen or fats by the alpha cells of the islet of langerhans into glucose which released from the cells into the blood stream.

How type 2 diabetes develops

type 2 diabetes results when

Risk factors of type 2 diabetes

other factors that can contribute to you developing type 2 diabetes are;

Age

As you get older,the risk of developing diabetes increases this maybe so because as you age,you gain more weight and exercise less. this health condition is seen in people of over 40 years;but children and young people are gaining access to this disease lately.

Family history of diabetes

This is one of the main risk factors for type 2 diabetes .your risk of developing the disease is if you have a close relative such as parent or siblings with the disease;the closer the relative,the greater the risk.

Obesity

Been obese places your health at a great risk especially when you have a large waist line (belly fat)

because the fat releases chemicals that can upset the body's metabolic and cardiovascular systems Women with large waist line are at a very high risk.

Having impaired glucose tolerance

This is the case whereby your glucose level is higher than normal but not enough to develop diabetes

Cigarette smoking

Smoking and taking tobacco snuff interferes with how insulin works in your body and makes it harder for you to control your blood sugar(insulin resistance);it promotes diabetic microvascular complications like peripheral neuropathy( damaged nerves to the arms and legs which causes numbness,poor coordination,pain, weakness) and retinopathy(an eye disease which can cause blindness) other diseases caused by cigarette are heart and kidney disease, poor flow of blood in legs and feet which may result to feet infection, ulcers and possible removal of a body part by surgery.

IMPORTANT:It is advisable to always go for medical check ups. Don't wait till you fall sick or when you have a feeling of sickness for you to go to a medical center;regular check-ups helps you discover many diseases at it's early stage and get advice on how to tackle the disease before complications occurs.

How is type 2 diabetes diagnosed?

Type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed during regular medical check-ups. Blood tests are used for the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. Although it wont be seen at the first early stage,but with regular check ups it can be discovered. The test is done in any health care center by health specialists.

Any of the tests below can be used for diagnosis

HOW TO CONTROL TYPE 2 DIABETES AT HOME

NUTRITION

high quality carbohydrates are recommended instead of simple carbs. Beans(any type of beans) are a winning combination of high quality carbs, lean proteins, and soluble fibre that help stabilize your blood sugar level and keeps hunger in check.

this is a combination of whole grains and high fiber. The fiber slows down the absorption of glucose from food in the stomach. A bowl of oatmeal with 2 teaspoons of almonds, walnuts, pecans, adds proteins, healthy fat and crunch to your morning meal.

Non-starchy vegetables

in this group you have broccoli, mushrooms, spinach. These are nutrient dense ,low calorie and high quality carbohydrates vegetables. They are an integral component of a diabetic food plan.

Egg whites

egg whites are a great choice for those who wish to control their type 2 diabetes;rich in high quality protein and low carbohydrates, one egg white been low in calories and rich in protein is the perfect food for those who want to lose weight and balance their blood sugar.

Avocado

this is my favourite*winks* I love avocado, these absolutely delicious gift of nature is high

in monosaturated fats which is considered amongst the healthiest fats, low in low quality

carbs, avocado has been proven to improve insulin sensibility. Monosaturated fats also improve heart health by promoting blood circulation and reducing bad cholesterol-an important benefit for diabetics who are at susceptible to heart disease and stroke.

2-PHYSICAL EXERCISE

before you embark on any physical activity,you should first consult your doctor so as to know if you very fit for exercises and the type of exercises you should do. Here is a run down of exercises good for those trying to control their diabetes

-be extra active everyday

use the stairs rather than a lift, you can walk to go get something, walk to and from walk if possible,walk your dogs, play with your kids. Do anything that requires you make a move .

-aerobic exercises

aerobic exercise for 30 minutes a day at least 5days in a week is very essential as it increases your breathing rate, your heart beat hence more circulation of blood;you might not just start all like that,take it gradually while increasing you workout time as weeks elapses. Try

walking fast, ridding a bicycle, dancing, swimming, playing football,basket ball,playing tennis...

do strength training exercises

you can do these with weight machine, hand weights, elastic bands. Before indulging such activities tell your doctor so you are oriented on how and what is suitable for your condition.

3-LOSE WEIGHT

with a good food plan and physical exercises your bound to lose weight.

4-MEDICATION

although you now observe a healthy life style, the role of medications should not be ignored. There are drugs which help reduce blood sugar by helping insulin work better in the body;other medications will actually boost the amount of insulin produced there are many medications each with it's function. Medication is a most especially if your doctor requires you take them

5-REDUCE STRESS AND BLOOD PRESSURE

these two aren't good for you because any rise in them will amount to complications in your treatment and control of diabetes. So they should be kept at normal level as possible.

6-REGULAR CHECK-UPS

here I suggest you be a close pal to your doctor. Go for regular check ups so that if any complication arises, your doctor will know what measures to take to counter such. Be aware that you might have other medical experts like;dietitian, certified diabetes educator, podiatrist(foot doctor)

ophthalmologist(eye doctor).

You have seen this long article on type 2 diabetes please be safe so you live a long and healthy life.
For more,go to www.foodcuretips..com

Sorry about this incomplete post,this is actually the first time am using my phone to post on nairaland and it's rather unfortunate the post came incomplete.I promise by tomorrow I will place the full post.if you can't wait till tomorrow,go to www.foodcuretips..com for the full post.thanks for your comprehension.