The Diabetes Crisis: Prevention and Management Strategies
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Are you among the rising number of Americans grappling with diabetes?
Perhaps you’re not there yet, but your physician has hinted at pre-diabetes or the imminent risk of diabetes in your future.
Or maybe you’re contending with extra weight around your midriff, accompanied by post-meal lethargy. You might find yourself hungry shortly after meals, battling a mid-afternoon energy slump, or having intense cravings for sugar.
If any of these resonate with you, know you are not alone! Many others are facing similar challenges.
It’s worth taking a moment to contemplate this ailment, its progression, and, most importantly, measures to enhance its management. Even if you don’t have diabetes, it’s important to learn about it and take steps to lower your risk or prevent it altogether.
So, please read on to discover more about the diabetes crisis as well as doable prevention and management strategies.
If you’re ready to take charge of your health and discover how to optimize the health of your body and brain, consider joining the HappiHuman community and working with me.
Source: Diabetes.ca
DIABETES FIGURES
Diabetes, characterized by the body’s reduced capacity to produce or respond to insulin, is witnessing a surge across North America.
In Canada, over 3.5 million individuals are diagnosed with diabetes. Those numbers are expected to rise from 29% of the population to 32% by the year 2030, with the number of new cases growing by about 200,000 each year.
In the United States, the figures are even more staggering – roughly 38.4 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes, while an additional several million people are walking around undiagnosed. This means approximately 1 in 10 Americans has diabetes, which costs an estimated $412 billion annually.
But diabetes doesn’t just affect North Americans. Globally, diabetes-related complications, including heart attacks, vision impairment, kidney failure, stroke, and lower limb amputation, are significant contributors to reduced quality of life.
Though these numbers may be sobering, the encouraging news is that you don’t need to succumb to these statistics!
So, let’s examine diabetes, the important role insulin plays in overall health, and strategies for managing or preventing diabetes development.
Type 1 vs. Type 2 Diabetes: Indicators & Symptoms
There are three types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2, and Gestational.
Gestational diabetes occurs during certain pregnancies and typically subsides after delivery.
Type 1 diabetes, also known as Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM), has a strong genetic component and generally manifests in children and adolescents. With Type 1 diabetes, the body’s insufficient insulin production necessitates its regular administration for survival. Symptoms commonly include excessive urination and thirst, unexplained weight loss, persistent hunger, vision changes, and unrelenting fatigue – any of which may appear suddenly.
However, I’d like to concentrate on Type 2 diabetes, or Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM), in this article.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 9 out of every 10 cases. It arises from the body’s inefficient use of insulin despite having adequate or even excessive amounts in circulation.
Symptoms resemble those of Type 1 diabetes but are often less severe. Given that symptoms can be subtle or, in some cases, non-existent, diagnosis may become a challenge. One may have reached diabetic status without a diagnosis - in some cases, for several years! As you can imagine, such a treatment delay can create some serious damage.
While diabetes is a lifelong condition, for most individuals, adopting healthier dietary and lifestyle choices can prevent, postpone, or lessen its impact.
TYPE 3 DIABETES
There may be a fourth type of diabetes called “Type 3 diabetes.”
Many recognize it as Alzheimer’s Disease. Although Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative brain disorder, recent studies suggest it might be related to high blood sugar levels, similar to pre-diabetes.
Elevated blood sugars raise insulin levels. These higher levels of insulin trigger inflammation and significantly contribute to cognitive impairment.
Perhaps this helps explain why individuals with Type 2 diabetes face a fourfold increased risk of Alzheimer’s. This idea warrants an in-depth discussion and deserves its own dedicated blog post. So stay tuned for more insights into sugar’s implications for brain health.
UNRAVELING INSULIN: WHY IT MATTERS
Any time we discuss sugar, we need to consider “insulin,” as well.
You’ve probably heard of insulin before, but what is it, and why is it important?
Insulin, secreted by the pancreas, is a hormone with many functions. One of its most important jobs is regulating blood sugar levels. It converts dietary sugar into energy and facilitates its storage in muscles, fat cells, and the liver. When more energy is required, insulin moves stored sugar into circulation.
If the body can’t produce enough insulin or can’t make proper use of the insulin present, blood sugar levels will remain high and a condition called insulin resistance will result.
Chronically high blood sugar levels will also lead to a variety of problems. It can prevent energy production and create fatigue, brain fog, irritability, and something many people can relate to - sugar cravings!
Yes, intense sugar cravings are a sign that blood sugar levels are not balanced and that a deeper problem may exist. So don’t ignore such intense yearnings for sugar - they likely signify a blood sugar issue that warrants corrective action.
The good news is you can do something about it!
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INSULIN RESISTANCE: A DEVIATION FROM NORMAL
Before the onset of diabetes, the body undergoes many changes.
After meals, blood sugars rise. Pancreatic insulin is then secreted to encourage the conversion of glucose (sugar) into viable energy.
Insulin acts as a “key.” It unlocks the cells to allow sugar to enter. Once inside the cell, the sugar is converted into energy. However, if insulin levels stay high for a long time due to diet or eating habits, it causes problems.
The pancreas makes more insulin to deal with the extra glucose, eventually leading to cells resisting insulin. When cells become resistant to insulin, they stop listening to insulin’s messages and stop allowing glucose in. This leads to two main problems:
Blood sugar levels remain high
Cells starve
Beyond that, excess sugar is stored as fat, while excess insulin can damage blood vessels. Consuming glucose-rich foods may lead to a greater sense of hunger following meals, potentially resulting in eating more food than necessary. The cells (and body) remain hungry after meals, so we continue to eat in an effort to feed the cells - but to no avail.
Over time, the chronically high glucose levels in circulation (hyperinsulinemia) leads to insulin resistance. And chronically high insulin levels can cause fatigue, accumulation of belly fat, increased appetite, fluctuating energy levels, difficulty concentrating, and emotional instability.
However, the consequences of insulin resistance go much deeper than this. We can end up with issues utilizing fat for energy, decreased muscle mass, and ultimately, the development of diabetes, abdominal fat accumulation, and challenges in obtaining sufficient nutrients and oxygen.
Now, all this may sound like doom and gloom. With so many potential problems arising when we can’t manage blood sugars appropriately, you may wonder if it’s even worth trying.
Well, I’m here to offer hope!
Many strategies can help manage diabetes should it be present or prevent it from manifesting in the first place.
Explore More of My Articles on Diabetes:
REDUCING YOUR RISK OF DIABETES
Here are some strategies to curtail your diabetes risk:
Refrain from smoking or stop smoking if applicable
Attain and sustain a healthy weight
Engage in regular physical activity
Limit refined sugars and carbohydrates
Avoid trans and oxidized fats
Adhere to three balanced meals daily
Regulate blood pressure
Maintain steady blood sugar levels
It’s worth noting that even though you may fall within “normal” glucose levels according to conventional medicine, it’s still worth pursuing optimal levels.
Shun complacency – aspire to optimization!
Optimal fasting blood sugar hovers between 85-90 mg/dl, with an A1C range of 5.3-5.4%. Consistently hitting these numbers will help preserve brain health and reduce diabetes risk.
COUNTERACTING DIABETES
So, if you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes or your doctor has hinted at pre-diabetes, know all is not lost!
Numerous dietary and lifestyle modifications can profoundly impact your well-being. Moreover, you can avoid becoming one of the statistics by seizing control of your health today for a brighter, healthier tomorrow!
Stay tuned for further insights into diabetes prevention or management strategies tailored to your needs, or reach out for personalized guidance. Whether you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, rest assured—optimal health is within reach!
Now, I want to hear from you. Share your favourite diabetes management strategies or your perspectives on diabetes by commenting below or reaching out directly. I eagerly anticipate our dialogue.
[Medical Disclaimer]
Please consult with your doctor(s) before starting any new mental or physical health improvement program. The advice I offer is not intended to replace that of your medical practitioner. I am not a medical professional, nor am I qualified to diagnose, cure treat, or prevent disease. The advice I provide on this website is intended for a broad and diverse audience, and as such, deals with general lifestyle concepts, not specific healthcare advice. This material disclaims any liability or loss in connection with the advice expressed herein.