Get HealthifySmart 12-months at just ₹6,000 ₹2022Start Now
DOWNLOAD THE APP
HealthifyMe
No Result
View All Result
  • Weight Loss
  • Diet
  • Web Stories
  • Health
Get HealthifySmart 12-months at just ₹6,000 ₹2022Start Now
Get HealthifySmart 12-months at just ₹6,000 ₹2022Start Now
HealthifyMe
No Result
View All Result
Home Diet

World Diabetes Day: Here’s Everything You Need to Know About it

Ritu PuribyRitu Puri
November 15, 2021
inDiet, Featured, Life
2
Everything You Need to Know About diabetes

Once described as a ‘silent killer’, the numbers associated with diabetes are a loud wake-up call today. According to the International Diabetes Federation, in 2017, 425 million adults (20-79 years) were living with diabetes; India is home to 72 million of them.

Deaths due to diabetes have increased largely, and these fatalities have been primarily attributed to changing lifestyles. Therefore, on this World Diabetes Day, HealthifyMe is here to spread awareness on the impact diabetes can have on the family and promote the management and prevention of diabetes.

What is diabetes?

types of diabetes

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body stops producing insulin (Type 1) or is unable to respond to insulin (Type 2).

Oh hi there 👋 It’s nice to meet you.

Sign up to receive awesome content in your inbox, every month.

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Congratulations! You have successfully subscribed!

It’s important to understand the cause and recognize the symptoms of diabetes because if there is too much sugar in the blood (a condition known as hyperglycemia), it can lead to a range of serious complications. Hyperglycemia can damage the vessels that supply blood to vital organs, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, vision problems and nerve problems. Unchecked, hyperglycemia can be fatal.

Symptoms of diabetes include:

  • Excessive thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Hunger pangs
  • Fatigue
  • Slow healing wounds and sores
  • Dry, itchy skin
  • Blurry eyesight

Broadly, symptoms of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are the same. But that’s where the similarities end.

Type 1 Diabetes

diabetes patient

How it impacts the body: Type 1 diabetes occurs when a person’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Without insulin, cells cannot absorb sugar (glucose), which are needed to produce energy. Which is why Type 1 diabetics are clinically dependent on insulin to live.

Who is at risk: Though most cases are diagnosed between ages 10–14 – the peak age of diagnosis in India is 12 years – Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age. Reportedly, less than 10% cases diagnosed are people over 40 years of age.

What causes it: While genes do play a role, the exact cause of Type 1 diabetes is not known. What we do know is that it is not linked to modifiable lifestyle factors, it cannot be prevented and there is no cure.

Unique symptoms: While diabetes symptoms are similar for Type 1 & 2 (listed above), those unique to Type 1 diabetes include:

  • Weight loss despite an increased appetite. This is because the body breaks down muscle and stored fat in an attempt to provide fuel to the hungry cells.
  • Rapid heart rate.
  • Reduced blood pressure (falling below 90/60).
  • Low body temperature (below 97º F).

Type 2 Diabetes

diabetes

How it impacts the body: Unlike Type 1 diabetes, most people with Type 2 diabetes can still produce insulin, but not enough to meet their body’s needs.

The condition originates in the body’s cells becoming insulin resistant. That is, the normal response to a given amount of insulin is reduced. As a result, higher levels of insulin are needed in order for insulin to have its proper effects, and the pancreas compensate by trying to produce more insulin. Over time, the pancreas can’t keep up and are unable to make enough insulin when blood sugar levels increase, such as after meals. When the pancreas can no longer make enough insulin, the diagnosis is Type 2 diabetes.

Who is at risk: Unlike Type 1, Type 2 diabetes can develop at any age, but people over 45 are at greater risk because they tend to exercise less, lose muscle mass and gain weight as they age.

Overweight and inactive people, as well as those with a family history of Type 2 diabetes are more likely to develop the disease.

What causes it: Genetics and lifestyle play a big role. But while you may possess a genetic mutation that makes you susceptible, if you take good care of your body, you may not develop diabetes.

Lifestyle choices that can cause Type 2 diabetes include:

  • Lack of exercise.
  • Poor food choices.
  • Excess weight. Although the connection is yet to be determined, we know fat cells make hormones that keep insulin from working at its best.

Unique symptoms: Many people with Type 2 diabetes tend to gain weight in addition to the symptoms mentioned above.

How to manage Type 1 & 2 diabetes

The first rule to successfully managing diabetes, be it Type 1 or 2, is to keep a check on your blood sugar levels. I’d recommend a blood sugar test once a year, as part of a routine blood panel as Type 2 diabetes can be pre-empted and reversed.

Oral and injectable medication can help manage diabetes, but it is only a support and must be accompanied by diet and exercise. Since the goal for both Type 1 and 2 is to manage blood sugar levels, the broad guidelines for diet and exercise remain the same. The specifics are determined by the amount of insulin a person is taking. Also, Type 1 diabetics are rarely overweight, so their diet doesn’t have to focus on foods that accelerate weight loss.

One common misconception people have is that they can lower their blood sugar levels just by eating less. What they don’t realize is that the body will just go ahead and make its own sugar. So first and foremost, anyone diagnosed with diabetes must eat small and frequent meals. Focus on protein, fiber and low glycemic foods, which are all digested slowly, and therefore release sugar at a measured pace into the bloodstream. You could try adding bran to your chapatti atta, salads before meals and snacking on fruits and other whole-grains to increase fiber intake. Or opt for dal, sprouts, eggs, chicken or fish for more protein. With regards to exercise, walking is an easy and effective way to reduce blood sugar levels.

Remember, don’t let a diabetes diagnosis get you down. With a few lifestyle changes, you can bring it under control.

Want to know how to best manage your diabetes? Our experts can help you with a customised diet and fitness plan

close

Don't Miss New Updates From Us

You’ll Recieve on Health Benefits, Nutrition Facts, Health advice, Recipes and more.

Your Privacy is important to us

Congratulations! You have successfully subscribed!

Download Healthifyme APP
Tags: blood pressureDiabetesdietdiet and fitness planexercisegain weightprotein and fibersymptoms of diabetestypes of diabetes
Previous Post

Guilt Free Vegetarian Snack Recipes You Need to Try

Next Post

5 diabetic-friendly recipes to try

Ritu Puri

Ritu Puri

Ritu, who battled weight issues, acne and other health issues as an adolescent, managed to overcome these problems through changes in diet and lifestyle. Her success prompted her to pursue the subject professionally, leading her to a BSc in Home Science followed by an MSc in Food and Nutrition from Lady Irwin College, Delhi University. Ritu completed a training programme with All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) before working with Fortis Hospital, and the Nutrition Foundation of India. Serving as a Sr. Nutritionist at HealthifyMe, she aims to help her clients to make small changes in their lifestyle that will positively impact their health.

Related Posts

Mathri
Recipe

Recipe: Baked methi mathri

May 16, 2022
Maintaining a Healthy Diet with Breast Cancer- HealthifyMe
Diet

Maintaining a Healthy Diet with Breast Cancer

May 15, 2022
Family History of Cancer: Can it Affect Me?- HealthifyMe
health

Family History of Cancer: Can it Affect Me?

May 14, 2022

Comments 2

  1. Diabetes Healing says:
    2 years ago

    Great post! Thank you for the insightful article. I would like to include a little bit more information that long-term hyperglycemia during diabetes causes chronic damage and dysfunction of various tissues, especially the eyes, kidneys, heart, blood vessels, and nerves.

    Reply
  2. Ishan Singh says:
    3 years ago

    we need to make big changes at food chain levels too. This disease is eating up a big chunk of humans throughout the globe.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Popular Post

  • Height weight chart feature image

    Height Weight Chart – Ideal Weight for Men and Women

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Best Diet Plan for Weight Loss & Diet Chart

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • 7 Day GM Diet Plan for Weight Loss

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Black Coffee – Benefits and Side Effects

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0
  • Yoga for Weight Loss – 9 Asanas Poses to Help You Lose Weight

    0 shares
    Share 0 Tweet 0

Read by topic

  • Diet
  • Featured
  • Fight Corona
  • Get Inspired
  • health
  • Healthify Talks
  • Life
  • Nutrition
  • Recipe
  • Running
  • Success Stories
  • Swimming
  • Trends
  • Uncategorized
  • Video
  • Web Stories
  • Weight Loss
  • Workout
  • Workplace Wellness
  • Yoga
HealthifyMe




At the heart of HealthifyMe’s platform is the World’s First & largest Indian Calorie Tracker, which allows users to track their food, exercise and weight, easily via their smartphone or computer while continuously analyzing the user’s data and provide powerful insights that ensure that users stay within their calorie/nutrition budgets.

Contact us: +1 800-419-9501

Email: support@healthifyme.com





Categories

  • Weight Loss
  • Diet
  • Web Stories
  • Health

About

  • About HealthifyMe
  • Leadership Team
  • Careers
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Weight Loss Fast

Discover

  • HealthifyPro
  • HealthifyMe Home
  • Android App
  • iOS App

© Copyright HealthifyMe 2021

No Result
View All Result
  • Diet
  • Weight Loss
  • Workout
  • Yoga
  • Success Stories
  • Consult with an Expert
  • Explore Coach Plan
  • HealthifySmart Diet Plan

© Copyright HealthifyMe 2022