Nowadays, diabetes is a common condition that affects millions of people all over the world. It isn't just adults who are affected either — there are children that are diabetic as well. I feel there are some very important facts that should be known about this illness, so I've listed the top ten facts below.
I read that there was a study done at the University of Pennsylvania and the team found that there is a hormone in the body called resistin. This hormone is produced by the body's fat cells. Scientists feel it evolved to help humans and other mammals to survive bouts of famine. Resistin actually tells cells to resist the insulin in the body, which eventually causes the person to become diabetic. So, the more fat cells a person has, the more resistin the body is producing and the greater your chances are of getting diabetes. I know sometimes it isn't a matter of choice but try to avoid obesity to your best possible extent.
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Most people think that genetics are the sole cause of a diabetic occurrence. The fact is, it is only part of the reason it occurs. Even if there is a set of twins born to a diabetic parent, it doesn't mean both babies will be affected. One might end up being a diabetic, but the other might not. It has a lot to do with diet and exercise, but only some to do with genetics.
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This type is often diagnosed in young adults and children. It is only present in 5 to 10 percent of the diabetics in the world. People with Type 1 diabetes have to have insulin shots for the rest of their lives, but they are able to live very long and healthy lives too.
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All the studies show that 90% of the diabetics around the world are type 2. The majority of the people who are Type 2 diabetic are also overweight. Fat doesn't allow the body to use insulin correctly, which causes Type 2 diabetes. The diagnosis of Type 2 usually comes when a person is overweight, making it a more common occurrence than Type 1. Gives you another reason to lose those last 12 pounds doesn't it?
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Almost half of the diabetic cases that are newly diagnosed involve children and teenagers. This fact leans towards obesity again. The children of today often have a very poor diet and get very little exercise. I remember when I was in elementary school, we had recess at least twice a day and Phys Ed every day. Today, kids often get one recess and sometimes they might have a Phys Ed class, but usually only once a week. So get your kids to eat healthy, go out and play and get a good night's sleep at the end of the day.
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It usually starts during the second trimester of the pregnancy and generally goes away once the baby has been born. Not many women become diabetic during their pregnancy. Statistics say that it only affects around 1 to 3 percent. Changing dietary habits when your pregnant is a great way to control this condition and some medications may need to be taken. The main change will be avoiding foods with simple sugars, such as cookies, cake, ice cream and candy.
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Kidney failure occurs because the kidneys become overworked by the excess of blood sugar causing them to filter a greater amount of blood. A way to prevent this is by watching your diet. There are several natural foodsyou can eat to help. It's very important to keep the blood sugar at the target range. Heart disease can be caused by the fatty deposits that are left behind by excessive levels of blood glucose. Eventually the artery gets so clogged that it hardens and quits functioning. Controlling body weight, lowering cholesterol levels, blood pressure levels, and not smoking will all help to lessen the chance of heart disease from diabetes.
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There generally aren't any early physical symptoms that people get when they are diabetic. They might be thirsty a bit more often than usual, but excess thirst doesn't usually drive someone to go to the doctor. It may be years before someone is diagnosed, in the meantime, excessive blood sugars are causing damage to the vessels in the body. Someone may have a heart attack or a stroke before he ever finds out he's diabetic.
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By not paying attention to signs the body gives or not having regular checkups where sugar levels are routinely scanned, diabetic complications are likely to occur. Often, it's not only a lack of awareness, but also a lack of proper health services. Not everyone can afford to go to the doctor on a regular basis. Complications that can occur are strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure, blindness, and even amputation. Prevention is always better than cure. So exercise, eat right and make sure you have a healthy heart.
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Although genetics play a minor role, for the most part the risk of becoming a diabetic can be lessened by plenty of exercise and a proper diet. At least 30 minutes a day of moderately intense exercise is best. When this exercise routine is combined with a healthy diet, the risk of becoming a Type 2 diabetic will drop dramatically.
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I hope these ten facts about diabetes will be helpful, either for yourself or for a loved one. No one should have to suffer from the ill effects of diabetes. So many of the complications can be prevented with a little bit of effort and regular monitoring. Do you have diabetes, or know someone who does? What can you tell me about it?
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