5th of April, 2017
Diabetes: Causes, Symptoms and Prevention
Diabetes is a disease that involves problems with insulin. The pancreas releases insulin to help your body utilize and store sugar for energy. Unfortunately in people with diabetes, this does not work the way it should and insulin is either not produced at all, not enough, or the body doesn't respond to insulin. Diabetes can affect people of all ages, races and sizes.
There are genetic factors that cause diabetes. If a family member has diabetes, then you are more likely to develop it too. Constant weight fluctuations, excess sugar consumption and obesity are also factors that can cause diabetes.
There are several types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs in young adults and children.
Gestational Diabetes occurs in pregnant women who were previously not at risk for diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is more common. This occurs when the body doesn't make its own insulin or does not respond well to insulin that is being made.
Some warning signs of type 2 diabetes are poor eyesight, intense thirst, weight loss, constant urination.
Warning signs for type 1 diabetes are similar and include constant urination, weight loss, nausea, constant hunger, lethargy, numbness in lower extremities,
Gestational diabetes usually does not present any signs or symptoms and must be tested by a professional. A blood test would reveal if a pregnant woman has gestational diabetes.
Although in many cases diabetes is genetic as well as environmental, there are many ways to reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes.Here are some ways of preventing diabetes before it even happens:
Maintaining a healthy weight/proportional to your height.
Getting regular exercise (cardio and resistant training).
Keeping sweets to a minimum (an occasional treat)
Keeping stress to a minimum.
Making healthy food choices and limiting sugary drinks.
In some cases, diabetes can be reversed with a healthy diet that is limited in animal products and regular exercise and stress management. Seek advice from a healthcare professional in this regard, as results vary for every individual.