Don't Let Type 2 Diabetes
Get You Down

Diabetes is reputed to be the fastest growing disease in the Western World. There are so many sufferers of this disease it would be almost impossible for you not to know at least one person who has it.

There are two types and this short informational article deals with just one :

Type 2 diabetes

This second type typically develops later in life and can be a common ailment of overweight people. It develops gradually and may not be noticed or diagnosed until the symtoms become severe. It doesn't always follow that medication is required to control Type 2 - many people are successful in controlling it by diet alone.

Type 2 diabetes was previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and it affects millions of people. In a normal person the insulin hormone attaches itself to a sugar molecule and together metabolize carbohydrates. But for millions of people this isn't the case, and the result is Type 2 diabetes.

The diabetic's problem is that they have too much glucose in their blood. This is the result of their normal control mechanism ( which should regulate the balance of insulin and glucose ) not working as efficently as it should. Because of this, their bodies are unable to process the glucose in their blood and this leads to an increase of blodd sugar levels.

Diabetics are at risk of kidney disease, heart disease, infections, nerve damage, impotence, atherosclerosis, slow healing of injuries and possible blindness. They must monitor his or her blood sugar constantly.

Reactions to diabetes are different in each person, so each diabetic must be aware of his/her own condition and take care of it accordingly under the direction of a doctor.

A diabetic's goal is to maintain the blood sugar and fat at levels close to normal. The three ingredients that they must be aware of are exercise, weight control and nutrition. If you follow a strict regimen that your doctor prescribes, you will be able to live a near-normal life with minimal symptoms.

The American Diabetes Association established nutritional guidelines in 1986. The guidelines may change as new dietary needs are identified. The current guidelines are based on current knowledge and concurrence among diabetes experts.

Each diabetic has specific dietary needs, which his/her doctor will outline in a dietary regimen designed especially for the individual.

As a general rule, the experts advocate that about 50%-60% of calories should come from either simple or complex carbohydrates. Each gram of carbohydrates equals four calories. On the other hand, protein intake should be held to a minimum of only 12 to 20 percent of daily caloric intake , as each gram of protein produces four calories.

Fat in the diet of the person with Type 2 diabetes should be consumed at a rate of no more than 30% of the diet; one gram of fat equals nine calories. It's also recommended that saturated fat (which can clog the arteries) be replaced with polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fat, or an even better choice would to replace saturated fat with complex carbohydrates.

Natural fiber has many advantageous qualities in the diet, especially for the diabetic with Type 2 diabetes. You should attempt to eat at least 40 grams of fiber per day, which can be found in oats, legumes, vegetables, fruit, barley or wheat products. Fiber can help lower the cholesterol of the person with Type 2 diabetes, and may also reduce the level of blood fat.

Another benefit of eating fiber is that it may cause the sugar in food to be absorbed slower, which gives the insulin the opportunity to balance the blood sugar. Another factor for the overweight Type 2 diabetic to consider is that fiber in the diet gives you a nice, full feeling that may prevent overeating. Another general guideline is to limit cholesterol to three hundred milligrams per day, and use sugar substitutes.

Three of the main consequences for the person with Type II diabetes are hypoglycemia which occurs when blood sugar is too low; hyperglycemia which occurs when the blood sugar level is too high; and wounds that do not heal properly or at all.

Weight is another factor the person which should be taken into consideration. It is estimated that about 80% of diabetics are overweight. It is usually recommended that the overweight diabetic follow a sensible, nutritionally sound diet and get plenty of exercise.

However, it is extremely important that you are examined by your doctor and follow his/her recommendations in respect of your diet and any exercise if appropriate.

With diet, weight control and exercise, the person with Type 2 diabetes can live a normal, healthy life and may be able to avoid taking insulin by injection.

This page is for INFORMATION ONLY and is not intended to replace the advice of your personal doctor.