DIABETES

Did you know that 30 million adults (18 years and above) in the United States suffer from Diabetes? This translates to around 30% of the whole population. The good news is that diabetes is not a life sentence. It can be managed especially with a proper diet and medical care.

WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes is a disease caused by the presence of excess sugar in your blood. This excess blood sugar can also be termed as high glucose. It interferes with the ability of the body to process glucose.
If it is not controlled, diabetes can expose you to various life-threatening illnesses such as stroke and heart disease.
Worth noting, Diabetes is not an adult disease, it can also affect young children.

COMMON TYPES OF DIABETES
There are four common categories of diabetes:
1. Type 1 diabetes
This is a chronic illness which affects the pancreas making it produce little or no insulin.
2. Type 2 diabetes
This condition interferes with the body’s ability to process blood sugar
3. Prediabetes
A condition characterized by high blood sugar levels which are lower though compared to Type 2 diabetes
4. Gestational diabetes
This is a condition characterized by high blood pressure normally associated with pregnant women.

WHAT CAUSES DIABETES
Several risk factors have been associated with increased chances of Diabetes. They include:
Being overweight
Family history
History of blood pressure
Sedentary or inactive lifestyle
Old age- people who have attained the age of 45 years are at a higher risk of Diabetes

CAN DIABETES BE MANAGED?
Several preventive measures have been brought forward to manage this condition. They are closely associated with lifestyle. These are discussed below:
Limiting the intake of certain foods such as:
Sugary foods such as sugary drinks and sweets
Salty foods
White bread and rice
Pineapples
Melons
Popcorns
White pasta

Eating foods with lean proteins- beans are a better alternative to meat. They provide plant proteins and help reduce carbohydrate intake thus reducing glucose. There exists a variety including kidney, pinto, black and navy beans.

Avoiding too much fat

Eating fatty fish- provides you with essential Omega 3 fatty acids to promote the health of the brain and heart. Examples include: salmons and sardines.

Whole grains can also help- perfect examples include brown rice, whole grain bread, millet and rye.
Eating green leafy vegetables such as spinach, collard greens, broccoli, cabbage and kales.

Nuts just like fish contain very useful fatty acids- alpha-lipoic acid. These fatty acids serve to nourish the kidney with key nutrients like proteins, vitamin B-6, iron and magnesium.

Fresh fruits such as citruses and berries can also help manage Diabetes.

Citrus fruits include oranges, grapefruits and lemons. They are a great source of vitamin C, potassium and folate.

Berries on the other hand offer antioxidants which prevent oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is responsible for several health complications including heart disease and some cancers.

Sweet potatoes also help lower blood sugar hence preventing Diabetes. Besides, they offer fibre, vitamin C, vitamin A and potassium.