How to Control Diabetes?

The percentage of the U.S. population with diabetes is about 8 percent (24 million people). Half of the people with diabetes are between the ages of 40 and 60. When people hear the word “diabetes” they think of sugar, and that is only natural.

When someone suffers from diabetes the body doesn’t use digested food correctly. Our bodies break down food into a particular type of glucose, which is carried through the body in the bloodstream. Glucose is used as fuel to keep our bodies going. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas. The body produces the proper level of insulin so that the glucose gets into our cells. This doesn’t happen in people with diabetes. The cells don’t get the glucose they need. The sugar collects in the blood and the body doesn’t get the fuel it needs.

Three Major Types of Diabetes

There are three distinct types of diabetes – Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational. Type 1 diabetes – the body’s immune system destroys pancreas cells that produce insulin; Type 2 diabetes (the most common form) is generally connected to age, weight, lack of exercise and heredity. The pancreas may produce enough insulin but it isn’t used correctly. Eventually the production of insulin drops off significantly. Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women and usually ends with the birth of the baby. Women may have Type 2 diabetes later in life, however.

Diabetes can be managed with insulin injections, diet changes and different work/exercise programs. Regular testing is necessary to monitor blood-glucose levels. Controlling diabetes starts with knowing about blood sugar levels. Normal levels are between 65 and 140. High blood sugar is from 250 to 350. Any measurement over that amount is considered very high and dangerous. Low blood sugar levels are also quite serious because the body tries to convert necessary proteins into glucose to compensate.

There is no “cure” for diabetes but there are some things we can do to control it and live with it. The key elements in controlling diabetes are maintaining blood/glucose levels through medication, insulin injections, diet and exercise. Lowering the amount of body fat will help reduce complications of diabetes as well. Eating the proper foods at regular times will also go a long way to helping you avoid wide fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Oral medications have been developed for diabetes control, eliminating the traditional insulin injections that diabetics have used for years. Major changes in diet are necessary. A program of the foods that balance blood sugar levels is essential. It is also necessary to include some form of exercise in a control program. Diabetes can cause more severe problems in the absence of exercise.

Medical control through medication and insulin use should only be followed with the assistance of a medical doctor. Some medications have been known to contribute side effects such as skin rashes, weight gain and blood/glucose levels that are too low. Exercise should also be followed with advice from a doctor. A good exercise program speeds up the movement of glucose to the cells, improves overall circulation and helps reduce body weight and body fat.