subject: Save Your Life By Recognizing The Affects Of Being Overweight On Diabetes. [print this page] Type 2 diabetes is an increasingly prevalent condition in the western world, due largely to the growing number of overweight and obese people in the population. It is, potentially, a very harmful condition, which can cause blindness, kidney failure and even premature death. The medical profession is trying to make more people aware of the affects of being overweight on diabetes and to encourage lifestyle changes in those most at risk of developing it.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas and it enables blood sugar or glucose to be spread to the cells of the body. This ensures that all body parts get the fuel they need to work properly. In a diabetes sufferer, insulin is not recognized by the cells, so instead of entering the cells, glucose collects in the blood stream.
The consequences of this can be severe. As the level of glucose in the bloodstream rises, it can damage the blood vessels leading to limbs, organs and other body parts. Vision can be lost, as can mobility. There can be heart, kidney or pancreatic failure because there is increased pressure on these organs. Amputation of fingers, toes or feet is sometimes necessary when the blood flow to these areas is limited.
Being overweight is not the only risk factor, but it is the greatest. America is the fattest nation on the earth, with over half of its people above their healthy weight range. Other industrialized countries are not far behind, as our sedentary lifestyle and the increasing availability of high calorie convenience food taking its toll on our health. Public health authorities are naturally concerned about the risks of obesity and try to educate the population about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of diabetes, as the longer it goes untreated, the worse the side effects can become. The most common signs are tiredness, blurry vision, nausea, frequent urination, tingling in the hands and feet, feeling dizzy or sweaty and increasingly hungry and thirsty. While all overweight people are at risk, those who carry the most fat around the stomach area are more prone to develop the condition than others who have it on the hips, bottom and thighs.
Treating diabetes involves replacing unhealthy habits with healthy ones. Foods which are high in fat, salt and sugar should be eliminated or significantly reduced, while the consumption of whole grains, lean means and fruit and vegetables should be increased. Another good change is swapping takeaway meals for home cooking, a cheaper and healthier alternative.
A good diet can always be improved with regular exercise. Recommendations are that 30 to 60 minutes of cardiovascular physical activity be done once a day, with intensity increasing as the participant becomes fitter. Medications may be necessary if the symptoms persist even after lifestyle changes have been implemented.
Diabetes is a very prevalent illness and a major killer, but can be controlled and prevented. If you or a family member are overweight, ask your doctor for a diabetes test. Even if it is negative, you are still at risk, so it is worth trying to implement some simple changes to your lifestyle as soon as possible. This will not only reduce your risk of developing diabetes, but other weight related conditions such as heart failure, and high blood pressure.
