Marked for Life
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One or more in our families today have diabetes. It may be hereditary or acquired it is a life-long disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. As with any other medical condition, knowing how to prevent diabetes is worth much more than a pound of cure. Furthermore, since there is no known cure for diabetes which is the sixth leading cause of death, taking steps to prevent the development of diabetes becomes even more critical. This is especially true if you have certain risk factors that make you a likely candidate for the disease. The majority of people diagnosed with diabetes are usually overweight. Body fat especially around the middle, increases your risk of developing diabetes. Knowing your family history gives a better idea of the increase chances of developing it later in life. Stay physically active. Regular exercise as always can help to prevent diabetes by controlling weight and improving blood flow. Exercise is especially important if genetics put you at risk for developing the disease. Eat a balanced diet, low in fat and sugars. Since diabetes involves impairment in the body’s ability to either produce or utilizes insulin to convert sugars into energy, it’s important to restrict the amount of glucose and starches consumed. It is what we eat that most of our illnesses occur. Get checked. Everyone over the age of 45 should schedule a blood glucose measurement test with their doctor every 3 years. However, if there are risk factors present, such as family history or obesity, regular testing should begin at an earlier age. Monitor your blood pressure regularly and take steps to reduce it, if applicable. Approximately 73 percent of adults with diabetes also suffer from high blood pressure. Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. Studies have shown that bioflavonoids, the pigments that lend fruits and plants their color, may stimulate insulin production and inhibit glycation, the process in which damaged glucose molecules bind with proteins to create advanced glycation end products, or AGEs. While most AGEs are harmless, others disturb molecular functioning and contribute to organ and nerve damage. To better understand how this occurs, remember that glycation is what causes food in the oven to brown.
Keeping oneself healthy is a lifestyle that we often disregard and neglect. Eat in moderation and exercise to control blood sugar and prevent symptoms and complications.
September 29 2008 | Information | No Comments »