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~ Return to Nutter's Diabetes Living Information Home Page ~ The Public Health Agency of Canada defines diabetes as follows: "1Diabetes interferes with the body's ability to produce or properly use insulin, a hormone that is essential for the proper use of the energy contained in the food we eat. This results in a series of malfunctions, which include an excess of a type of sugar called glucose in tests on the blood and urine. Over time, diabetes can lead to life-threatening and debilitating complications. Diabetes potentially affects the metabolism of every cell in the body and adversely affects the body's blood supply. Over a period of months or years, it can lead to a wide range of life-threatening and disabling complications. But these can often be prevented or substantially delayed with the help of intensive diabetes therapy consistently applied, by individuals with diabetes along with their care team.”In “Prescription for Nutritional Healing”, written by Phyllis A Balch, CNC and James F. Balch, M.D., diabetes is defined this way: “Diabetes is a result of problems with the pancreatic hormone insulin. Insulin controls the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood and the rate at which glucose is absorbed into the cells. The cells need glucose to produce energy. In people with diabetes, glucose builds up in the bloodstream instead of being taken into and used by the cells, leading to hyperglycemia (abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood). Eventually, hyperglycemia leads to damaged blood vessels, which in turn, may cause eye disease, heart disease, peripheral and autonomic neuropathy (nerve damage in the limbs and internal organs) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease).”2Complications of diabetes can include: Diabetic ketoacidosis (diabetic coma) Uncontrolled diabetes in a person with type 1 diabetes can lead to potentially fatal dehydration and metabolic imbalance known as diabetic ketoacidosis (diabetic coma). Nonketotic hyperglycaemic-hyperosmolar coma (NKHHC) A similar condition, known as nonketotic hyperglycaemic-hyperosmolar coma (NKHHC), can occur in type 2 diabetes. It, too, is associated with dehydration and preceded by a period of poor control of diabetes. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can result from an excess of either insulin or oral diabetes medication. Symptoms include:
Symptoms include:
Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes 3Type 1 Type 1 diabetes occurs when certain specialized parts of the pancreas, known as islet cells, are destroyed and no longer produce insulin. An adequate supply of insulin is very important, as it helps the body efficiently capture energy from the food we eat, and is necessary to the proper functioning of the body. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood or adolescence (hence the term "juvenile diabetes"), and accounts for 10 percent of all diabetes cases in Canada. Symptoms The signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes include:
4Type 2 Type 2 diabetes occurs when insulin continues to be produced but, for a variety of reasons, is not properly used in the body. People are typically diagnosed with type 2 after the age of 45. In recent years more and more cases of type 2 diabetes are coming to light in young people. Those with a family history of obesity and inactivity are also at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. As such, this type of diabetes can be prevented. Symptoms Although those with type 2 diabetes experience symptoms before they are diagnosed, many do not. The disease continues to advance and those affected -- whether or not they are aware of what is happening -- can go on to develop long-term complications. Clues to the presence of type 2 diabetes include:
Being overweight (especially if the weight is concentrated around the mid-section) is a significant risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. With proper nutrition and regular physical activity, you can reduce your risk of getting Type 2. Healthy eating and regular physical activity also helps those with diabetes to help manage the disease. 5Several lines of recent scientific evidence have shown that individuals who followed a low GI (glycemic index) diet over many years were at a significantly lower risk for developing both type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease than others, but the results obviously depend on the two diets being compared. High blood glucose levels or repeated glycemic "spikes" following a meal may promote these diseases by increasing oxidative damage to the vasculature and also by the direct increase in insulin levels. On the other hand there are regions, such as Peru and Asia, where people eat high-glycemic index foods such as potatoes and rice, but without a high level of obesity or diabetes. The high consumption of legumes in South America and fresh fruit and vegetables in Asia likely has a lowering glycemic effect in these individuals. The mixing of high and low GI carbohydrates produces moderate GI values. The glycemic index is supported by leading international health organisations including the American Diabetes Association.  Physical activity can improve your strength, flexiblity, and balance. Set small goals to start. Add a little more activity each day until you reach at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. Start now to get moving and have fun! Citations: 1 Public Health Agency of Canada - Description http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ccdpc-cpcmc/diabetes-diabete/english/whatis/index.html 2 Public Health Agency of Canada – Complications http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ccdpc-cpcmc/diabetes-diabete/english/whatis/complications.html 3 Type 1 Diabetes http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ccdpc-cpcmc/diabetes-diabete/english/whatis/type1.html 4 Type 2 Diabetes http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ccdpc-cpcmc/diabetes-diabete/english/whatis/type2.html 5 Wikipedia.org – search Glycemic Index http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycemic_index Suggestions made by Nutter’s Bulk & Natural Foods, and the contents of this article, |
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