Diabetes is a disease that affects an individuals ability to efficiently convert the food that they eat into energy. The majority of the foods we eat are turned into sugar for our body to use as energy.
Insulin is the hormone our body produces to help deliver sugar into the cells of our body.
Normally, insulin regulates the sugar in our body by pulling sugar from the blood and putting it in the cells for use. However, for an individual with diabetes the pancreas produces very little to no insulin.
In type 1 diabetes the pancreas does not make insulin or makes very little insulin. Insulin is a hormone that delivers blood sugar to the cells in your body where it is used for energy. Without insulin, blood sugar is unable to enter cells and builds up in the bloodstream resulting in high blood sugar.
Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults, but it can develop at any age.
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type1.html
https://www.everydayhealth.com/diabetes/genetics/
In type 2 diabetes, cells do not respond normally to insulin which causes the pancreas to make more insulin to try to get cells to respond. Eventually the pancreas can’t keep up, and the blood sugar rises which leads to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes is much more common than type 1 diabetes as approximately 90-95% of people with diabetes have type 2.
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/type2.html
www.everydayhealth.com/type-2-diabetes/treatment/type-2-diabetes-complications-heart-disease-diabetic-retinopathy-neuropathy-more/
Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) is the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. The test is done regularly to see if one's levels are staying within range. It is used to help diagnose diabetes, and adjust medication.
The sugar (glucose) binds to your red blood cells. We measure how much glucose is bound to your hemoglobin.
The test can be done at your doctor's office or at a lab! All we need is a bit of your blood!
Hyperglycemia
High blood sugar level
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar level
Sweating
Shakiness
Anxiety
Rapid pulse
Irritability (hungry and angry)
Headache
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Step 1: Check to see if you are experiencing any symptoms of hypoglycemia or if your blood sugar levels are less than 70 mg/dl
Step 2: Consume a fast acting carbohydrate llike candy, fruit juice, or a soft drink
Step 3: Recheck blood sugar levels after 15 minutes and if its still less than 70 mg/dl then treat with another fast-acting carbohydrate
Increased fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Headaches
Blurred vision
Intense thirst
Increased urination
Involuntary weight loss
Excessive hunger
Any instances of hyperglycemia MUST REQUIRE emergency treatment
Hyperglycemia can be controlled long-term by:
Regular exercise to control blood sugar
Medication as prescribed by health care professional
Health diet that reduces amount of sugary foods
Regular blood sugar monitoring to ensure ideal range
Insulin regulation, if applicable.
www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-test-your-blood-for-ketones-2241625
www.verywellhealth.com/how-to-use-a-glucometer-1087304
If you have diabetes the key to living a healthy life is by managing your blood sugar and this is begins with tracking what you eat!
To keep your blood sugar within a health range If you are able to eat the recommended amount of healthy foods you will be able to manage your blood sugar which will help maintain it within the healthy range.
You want to limit eating the amount of greasy/unhealthy foods. Certain foods such as fast foods can be detrimental to your health.
It's easy to eat more food than necessary without realizing it therefore, the Plate Method is a great method to encourage healthy eating among Diabetic Patients. The Plate Method helps you portion different types of foods, helping you control your blood sugar.
Start with a standard circular dinner plate:
Fill half (50%) of your plate with Non-Starchy Vegetables
Fill a quarter (25%) of your plate with lean-protein foods
Fill a quarter (25%) of your plate with carb foods
Non-Starchy Vegetables include but are not limited to:
Broccoli, salad, green beans, cauliflower, cabbage, and carrots.
Lean Protein foods include but are not limited to:
Chicken, fish, turkey, beans, tofu, and eggs.
Carb foods include but are not limited to:
Grains, potatoes, peas, rice, pasta, beans, fruit, a cup of milk, and yogurt.
Prediabetes is a condition that comes before being diagnosed with diabetes. This means that your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes.
If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes it is likely that you make get diabetes soon if steps and precautions are not taken.
Make Healthy Food Choices
Cut back on sugary drinks
Choose low calorie snacks
Eat more vegetables
Having more physical activity
Take a walk
Exercise at least 30minutes a day
Exercise five days a week