subject: Understanding And Managing Diabetes [print this page] Diabetes is a metabolism disorderDiabetes is a metabolism disorder. Metabolism refers to the way your body digests food for energy and growth. In this case, your body has a difficulty in using and absorbing glucose - a form of sugar in the blood which is the principal source of fuel for your body.
What causes diabetes?
Medical experts agree that diabetes is not inherited in a simple pattern and that there are some people who are born with higher risks of developing diabetes than others. Genes alone are not enough. Take for the example the case of identical twins. They have the same genes however, if one twin develops diabetes, the other twin may not be diagnosed by the same condition at all. It seems like; people with diabetes inherit a predisposition to the disease until something in the environment triggers it.
Some of the environmental factors that can trigger which researchers have been studying on are, the cold weather because diabetes tends to occur much higher in places with cold climates. Then there is the virus infection which only has mild effects on most people but triggers diabetes on others.
Early diet is also being studied as one of the major factors as diabetes is less common in people who were breastfed. Also, most diabetics have autoantibodies in their blood before contracting the disease. Autoantibodies are antibodies 'gone bad' which attacks the body's own tissues. There are many possibilities, however, one thing is for sure, even the most brilliant minds have not yet solved this mystery.
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes - a person does not produce insulin at all
Type 2 Diabetes - a person does not produce enough insulin or your body does not use insulin properly
Gestational Diabetes - you develop diabetes during pregnancy only
Treatment
All types of diabetes are treatable although type 1 and type 2 lasts a lifetime and has no known cure. Treatment includes insulin injection, tablets as well as proper dietary and exercise plan. Diabetics have special diet and exercise programmes which are crucial to controlling diabetes. Otherwise, it may lead into developing complications.
Weight and Diabetes
Fact is diabetics often weigh above their ideal weight. Losing weight is crucial in managing diabetes however, getting back to shape and having diabetes may be a never-ending challenge. Cutting back a meal can have a significant effect on the delicate balance of blood sugar, insulin and medication in your body. So it is important to work with an expert dietitian and diabetes specialists before starting any weight loss plan.
Diabetes can be frightening but it is not a reason to panic. Being diagnosed with diabetes does not mean you have to put your life on hold. You can help your body by eating nutritious foods in reasonable-size portions, supervised exercise as well as paying attention to your stress levels and sleep habits.
To know more about how you can lose weight whilst keeping your diabetes under tables, consult with professional diabetes dietitian in South Australia, Menu Concepts at 08 8375 7040 or visit http://menuconcepts.com.au/
