Diabetes is a chronic disease that originates from different causes. If you have found out that you have diabetes, don’t panic. Today, there are treatments to prevent its consequences.
However, it is accurate that you must start taking care of your diet.
In this guide for diabetics, you will be able to know what are the types, causes, symptoms and consequences of diabetes.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not synthesize the average amount of insulin; or when the body becomes resistant to it. (1) Diabetics lose the ability to maintain normal blood glucose levels.
The causes and symptoms define the types of diabetes. Poor diet, genetic predispositions, and lack of physical exercise can cause severe consequences in people with diabetes.
Limiting excess sugar should be the first rule in a diabetic eating guide. Honey, white bread, white rice, and pasta made from refined flour should be avoided.
In a diet for type 2 diabetics, this type of food can be allowed in tiny amounts. Otherwise, it can cause mild to fatal symptoms and consequences.
Types of Diabetics – Symptoms, and Differences
Type 1 diabetes develops before age 40. This disease originates from genetic causes. The symptoms of this diabetes are intense and evident. The most common symptoms of type 1 diabetes are (2):
- Urination (urination) constantly
- Blurry vision
- Weightloss
- But intense
- Fatigue
- Tingling sensation in the feet
Type 2 diabetes is the most common type. According to the SEMI (Spanish Society of Internal Medicine), it occurs in 9 out of 10 cases of diabetes. (3) It is one of the diseases that has increased the most in developed countries.
The symptoms of type 2 diabetes are:
- Bladder infection
- Fatigue
- Frequent urination
- The feeling of uncontrolled hunger
- Increased thirst
- Blurry vision
- Kidney disorders
- Circulation problems
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Causes of diabetics – by type
Type 1 diabetes usually develops due to genetic causes. In type 2 diabetics, the reasons are multifactorial, in most cases due to a poor diet combined with genetic predispositions.
Studies suggest (2) (3) (4) that one of the leading causes of type 2 diabetes is the loss of the typical response of adipocytes, hepatocytes, and muscle cells to insulin. This is what is known as insulin resistance.
When a person with a tendency to be diabetic consumes sugar and other simple carbohydrates in excess, serious consequences can appear in the body.
On type 2 diabetic diet, sweet foods and refined flours top the list of prohibited foods.
In most cases, type 2 diabetes occurs in overweight people or has an obesity disorder.
However, a direct relationship between body weight and the causes of diabetes cannot be established. Studies have shown that it is possible to have diabetes and be thin. This is more likely to occur after age 65. (4)
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Consequences of diabetes
High blood glucose levels can cause heart, kidney, and artery disorders. People with diabetes are more likely to have cardiovascular disease and heart attacks.
The most severe health consequences for people with diabetes are vision loss and limb amputations due to poor circulation. (3)
Eating sugary sweet foods is not only one of the leading causes, but once the disease has developed, it can cause severe symptoms in people with diabetes.
In a diet for diabetics, foods with a medium or low glycemic index are the ones that should predominate.
For both people with diabetes, the glycemic load must be kept within 60 and 80. One of the bases of a food guide is to emphasize the correct selection and distribution of carbohydrate foods.
Diabetics and sport
Both types of people with diabetes can play sports. However, special precautions should be taken when exercising. People with diabetes with uncontrolled blood glucose are always advised to do a blood glucose test before starting a workout.
According to the result of the analysis, you must make a decision. If the glucose values are average (80-100), you can exercise. If they are low, people with diabetes should eat carbohydrate foods, wait 10 minutes, and start.
If they are too high, it is recommended to walk at least 30 minutes before starting. Cardiovascular exercises, swimming, walking, yoga, and fitness routines are the best sports for people with diabetes.
On the other hand, some types of cardio can be dangerous for people with diabetes. Workouts that expend excessive amounts of energy such as (Crossfit), boxing, and sports at heights can have severe consequences for the body. This is because they are sports with a high risk of vascular accidents. These types of training are not recommended for any kind of diabetic.
ABSTRACT
Diabetes is a chronic disease related to the loss of function of the hormone insulin.
The causes and symptoms define the different types of diabetics.
If left untreated, the consequences of diabetes are severe.
Both types of diabetics are recommended to reduce the consumption of sugar, honey, and refined flours and to play sports at moderate intensity.
This is the basis of the guide to preventing and reducing the consequences of this disease.
