It is a disease that prevents the body from utilizing energy from the food we eat. It occurs when pancreas produce insufficient or no insulin at all. Blood sugar levels will go high in patients with diabetes due to lack of insulin or insulin resistance.
Type 1 diabetes
This occurs when insulin producing cells are damaged. It usually starts in adolescents and we should provide insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes
This is due to low production of insulin or insulin resistance by the body’s cells. It’s common in adults after 40 years, and especially very common in the overweight.
Symptoms
Manifest symptoms include increased hunger, increased thirst, frequent urination, weak and tired feelings, weight loss, numbness and tingling sensation, slow healing sores, dry and itchy skin, and dry mouth.
Diagnosis
Diabetes is diagnosed with a fasting blood sugar or HbA1C test.
Management
We can control diabetes by proper nutrition, healthy weight, physical activities and regular blood sugar checkups.
Diet management
- Use consistent meal plan schedule
- Eat a balanced diet including whole grain food, low fat meat, dairy products, vegetables, and low-sugar fruits
- Use sugar in moderation, try to use low sugar products as much as possible
- Eat high fiber diet
- Drink plenty of water and use low salt diet.
Matter for Health TIPSthisWEEK is supplied by Philip Eappen, Chief Administrator, AUN Health Center