Diabetes or diabetes mellitus is a collection of diseases that result from abnormal amounts of glucose in the body. Glucose is the body’s main energy source; by nature, our body is fully equipped to utilize it and store it mindfully for use in emergency situations. There is a malfunction in certain conditions, and the body keeps storing glucose instead of utilizing it. This results in an elevated glucose level in the body, which can have adverse effects if not treated.
To break down and utilize glucose, the pancreas in our body produces insulin. Any fluctuation in the amount of insulin in the body for any reason can also affect the glucose levels in the body. So, the development of diabetes in a person depends upon many factors. Another such factor is also genetics. If diabetes runs in the family, there is a good chance that it will occur in every generation.
There are four most common types of diabetes, and they are:
- Type 1 Diabetes: A type of diabetes in which there is less to no insulin production from the pancreas.
- Type 2 Diabetes: A type of diabetes in which the body does not utilize insulin even when it is present.
- Prediabetes: A type of diabetes in which your blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough that it can be categorized as Type 2 Diabetes.
- Gestational Diabetes: A type of diabetes that occurs after a woman is pregnant.
Unfortunately, there is no quick cure for diabetes, but fortunately, there are many ways that you can treat it and its symptoms. Diabetic patients are advised to bring considerable lifestyle changes and also prescribed insulin injections. However, this all depends on your unique diabetic condition, which will be best judged by your doctor. So before you try and medicate yourself, pay a visit to your doctor.
Generally, people can prevent diabetes by practicing a healthy lifestyle and eating habits. Here we discuss two of the most effective habits in preventing diabetes:
- Being Active: Doing regular walks or exercise is the number one way of preventing diabetes and keeping your glucose levels normal. Being active can be taking the stairs instead of the elevators, walking to your nearby grocery store instead of taking the car, or taking your dog out for a walk instead of having a dog walker do it. Activity comes in all shapes and sizes, but the important thing is that it should be performed with regularity. If exercise is not your thing, look into some sports. Low-impact yoga can also do wonders for your metabolism and daily lifestyle. All that matters is that you incorporate some sort of physical activity into your daily routine.
- Having a Clean Diet: It is important that you eat a clean diet that is full of nutrients that will help your body run its functions smoothly. This being said, clean food does not have to be tasteless. It can be very flavourful if one knows what to put in it. A good, clean and healthy recipe is one Google search away.
In conclusion, an active lifestyle with a healthy diet can help you do wonders for your body and prevent diseases like diabetes. It is also important that you regularly visit your doctor for checkups and ease of mind.
For more information on this topic, please reach out to us at RescueMD at 972-390-7667. We are an internal medicine, weight loss and women’s health practice. We serve Allen, Frisco, Mckinney, Plano, Dallas and surrounding areas. In addition to physicians, we also have registered dietitians and personal trainers on staff to treat and manage most cases.
