Question:
I have a family history that contains diabetes; the kind where you do
not have to take insulin injections. My father got it late in life,
as did one of his siblings. They ate a lot of sweets, and their diets
were not exemplary. The only "sweets" I ever eat are milk chocolates,
and I do NOT eat them daily. Besides that, I eat very nutritional
foods; mostly fruit and veggies. Diabetes Mellitus Risk? What can I do to avoid getting
diabetes as I get older? Am I doing enough now?
Answer:
Diabetes Mellitus
Description
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that affects carbohydrate,
protein, and fat metabolism. Carbohydrates are normally broken down in the
body to glucose, the body's main source of energy. Insulin, a hormone
produced in the pancreas, is essential for the transport of glucose into the
cells for energy and also for glycogen storage. It also stimulates protein
synthesis and free fatty acid storage in the adipose (fat) tissues. In
diabetes, insufficient production of insulin or insensitivity to insulin
impairs the body's ability to convert glucose to energy, and compromises the
body cells' access to essential nutrients for fuel and storage.1
Types
Type I (juvenile) or insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is caused by the
destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. By the time
the disease becomes apparent, up to 80% of the beta cells have been
destroyed. This process is theorized to be the result of an autoimmune
disorder.
Type II (adult onset) or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is a defect
in insulin utilization. Normal amounts of insulin are made, but cannot be
properly utilized by the body. 2
Complications
Diabetics have a higher risk for developing various chronic illnesses that
affect virtually all the body systems. The most common complications include
kidney failure (diabetic nephropathy), blindness (diabetic retinopathy),
peripheral nerve damage (diabetic neuropathy), heart attack, high blood
pressure, arteriosclerosis (cardiovascular disease), gangrene, and foot
ulcers.3
At Risk
The tendency to develop diabetes can be hereditary, other factors that can
contribute to the development of type II diabetes include diet and
lifestyle, pregnancy, surgery, physical and emotional stress, and obesity.
Prevention and Management
General:
Diet and lifestyle are the most important factors for the prevention of
non-insulin dependent diabetes and in management of insulin-depended
diabetes. Regular aerobic excerise, such as brisk walking, jogging,
swimming, or bicycling, will improve how the body uses insulin and aids in
the regulation of blood sugar and lipid levels.4
Nutritional Influences:
A high fiber diet is associated with an improved ability to handle blood
sugar.5 When the diet is high in fiber, cells are more sensitive to insulin
and increase the number of insulin receptor sites for burning glucose.6
Antioxidants, including vitamin E, vitamin C, beta-carotene, bioflavanoids,
and B-complex vitamins can help protect against free radical damage.7
Vitamin E levels in the blood of diabetics are lower than levels found in
the blood of subjects without diabetes. Poor dietary intake of vitamin E may
alter blood sugar levels, while an adequate intake may help to modulate
blood sugar levels.8
Vitamin C metabolism and tissue levels are altered in diabetes.9 Optimal
vitamin C intake may help to regulate blood sugar and aid in the prevention
of diabetes.10
Minerals may also play a role in protecting against the damaging effects of
diabetes. Diabetics tend to lose magnesium through their kidneys more than
non-diabetics. Type I diabetics who get at least 450 mg of magnesium are
able to improve insulin production and maintain better control of blood
sugar levels.11
Trace minerals such as chromium are essential for insulin and glucose
metabolism.12
This is a copy of an article I have access to.
