Diabetes is not just about the calories, but about the ability of our body to use the insulin we produce. Obesity causes inflammation and is a chronic inflammatory state . Because obesity is closely related to diabetes and inflammation it is possible that inflammation, causes insulin resistance leading to diabetes.
The 3 main types of diabetes are type 1 or juvenile onset, type 2 adult onset and gestational, happening in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. People with type 1 make little or no insulin, type 2 is usually diagnosed later in life after considerable abuse caused by ones lifestyle. Gestation diabetes usually happens in the 3 trimester, usually associated with high blood pressure and resolves itself after the baby is born.
The cause of gestational diabetes in the third trimester is usually a rise in hormones which increase blood sugar to the point that the pancreas can't produce enough insulin. Childhood diabetes is becoming a global concern resulting from the increase of childhood obesity which is a result of many hours spent on the computer, lack of exercise and increase of calories in drink and foods. Adult onset or type 2 is usually a result of a long term sedentary life style and a poor quality hi glycemic carbohydrate diet and obesity.
Of the risk factors of getting diabetes, obesity is # 1. Heredity can play a part as well as ethnicity especially in african, asian, hispanic, native americans and pacific islanders. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to poor physical condition, major risk factors, loss of muscle mass and an increase of insulin resistance.
Insulin resistance is the beginning of diabetes resulting when the cells of the body can't respond properly to the insulin it produces. This is the result of our abuse when we eat high glycemic foods, more insulin is produced - we get hungry, eat more and on & on. This leads to the second stage which is insulin deficiency resulting from years of insulin resistance. The pancreas is worn out and doesn't make enough insulin.
The glycemic index rates food on a scale of 1 - 100 depending how fast that food raises blood sugar levels. White bread and glucose are worst at near 100. Fibre, fat and protein all slow the rate of metabolism and therefore how quickly sugar shows up in the blood stream.
Its easy to understand why exercise is so important not only in the treatment of diabetes, but also in the prevention of it . Some people can manage type 2 diabetes with just diet and exercise. You need to gradually incorporate your exercise in time and severity depending on your physical condition. Don't forget to drink enough water.
Diabetes can be prevented with an overall good life style. Problems like obesity and insulin resistance can also be reversed with diet and exercise. You could even reduce or stop your diabetic medications and end up healthy in many areas.
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