DIABETES THE INVISIBLE EPIDEMIC{Bad Today – Worse Tomorrow}

DO YOU KNOW?

1] Diabetes is a GLOBAL EPIDEMIC.

2] It causes one death every 10 seconds.

3] 171 million people suffered from it in 2005 and it is projected to grow to 366 million by 2030 , WHO confirmed!

WHAT IS DIABETES ?

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or does not properly use insulin.

Insulin is a hormone the body employs to bring glucose from the body into the tissue to be used as an energy source; special cells in the pancreas called beta cells create insulin . if the efficiency of these cells is compromised due to poor cellular intake or elimination , they may become over burdened and can ”wear out”

in diabetes mellitus low insulin level or poor response to insulin prevent cells from absorbing glucose . As a result , glucose builds up in the blood . When glucose laden blood passes through the kidneys cannot absorb all of excess glucose .This excess glucose spills into the urine , accompanied by water and electrolytes ions required by cell to regulate the electric charge and flow of water molecules across the cell membrane . this cause frequent urination to get to get rid of the additional water drawn into the urine ;excessive thirst to trigger replacement of water ; and hunger to replace the the glucose in urination .

SYMPTOMS OF DIABETES

1] Excessive Thirst and increased appetite

2] Frequent urination

3] Dramatic weight loss

4] Irritability and Blurred vision

5] Itching of the skin

6] Poorly healing wounds

7] Weakness and Fatigue

8] Nausea and Vomiting

TWO MAJOR CLASSES OF DIABETES

TYPES1 DIABETES

Insulin -dependent Diabetes mellitus [IDDM]

A condition in which the body fail to produce insulin . this happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys beta cells autoimmune disease.

TYPES 2 DIABETES

Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes mellitus [NIDDM]

This occurs when the bodies resist insulin combined with relative insulin deficiency [this is when the body fails to utilize insulin properly].

GESTATIONAL DIABETES

This is a temporary diabetes which affects only about 4% of pregnant women but generally disappears after childbirth.

COMPLECATIONS OF DIABETES

Brain

people with diabetes are most likely to suffer from forgetfulness or memory loss and strokes.

EYES

High blood glucose can damage tiny blood vessels at the back of the eye, causing many eye problems, from blurriness to blindness.

HEART

Diabetes dramatically increase the risk of developing chest pain [ angina] and heart attack .

KIDNEYS

Diabetes can damage the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter wastes from body .

NERVES

High level of glucose in the blood can damage the network of nerves found throughout the body. This may cause feet and hands to tingle , burn ,or feel numb . over time , an area may not notice if the foot becomes injured or infected.

BLOOD CIRCULATION

Diabetes can damage blood vessels throughout the body . this damage makes it easier for plaque [fat deposits] to form in the vessels , preventing proper blood flow.

PREVENTION

According to Joslin Diabetes centre at Harvard School of Medicine , the risk of diabetes can be cut by more than 50% by changes in diet and exercise.

DIETS

1] Eat lots of vegetables and fruits . Try picking from the rainbow of colours available to maximize variety, such as spinach ,carrot, broccoli or green beans with meals .

2] Choose whole grain foods over processed grain foods.

3] Include omega 3 rich fish like salmon , mackrerel in your meals 2-3 times a week .

NOTE; Diets alone can not supply the major nutrition needed in controlling diabetes, so supplementation is the key to achieving a full nutritional balance.

HERE ARE SOME RECOMENDED NUTRITIONAL SUPPLENTS