Healthy Eating Reduces the Complications of Diabetes.

Healthy Eating reduces the complications of diabetes.

WHAT IS DIABETES?

DEFINITION OF DIABETES

According to the American Diabetes Association, “Diabetes is a disease in which the

body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.” There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is more severe and usually appears in childhood.

Type 2 diabetes usually appears in adults and is less severe than type 1.

WHO DOES IT AFFECT?

There are 23.6 million children and adults in the United States, or 7.8% of the population, who

have diabetes (American Diabetes Association (2009) – diabetes.org)

Risk factors for diabetes include: a family history of diabetes, obesity, race (Blacks, Hispanics, Native American Indians, and Asians are at higher risk), age (those over 45 especially), lack of exercise or activity.

(Mayo Clinic – Mayo Clinic Staff – mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/)

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES?

In type 1 diabetes, your immune system - which normally fights harmful bacteria or viruses - attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. This leaves you with little or no insulin. Instead of being transported into your cells, sugar builds up in your bloodstream.

In type 2 diabetes, your cells become resistant to the action of insulin, and your pancreas is unable to make enough insulin to overcome this resistance. Instead of moving into your cells, sugar builds up in your bloodstream. Exactly why this happens is uncertain, although excess fat, especially abdominal fat, and inactivity seem to be important factors.

(Mayo Clinic – Mayo Clinic Staff – mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/)

(retrieved June 9, 2008)

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES?

A high blood sugar count, left untreated can cause serious complications. These complications vary according to the type of...