Essay on Diabetes: Nutrition and Diabetic Risks

Submitted By sterlwizard
Words: 498
Pages: 2

Sterling Poole 2/7/10 HUN1201

Diabetes is a major disease that can hinder quality of life and if not treated properly can be fatal. There are two types of diabetes; Type 1 which doctors and scientists believe is connected to genetics, viruses or auto immune disorders and type 2 which is vastly more common, by 90 – 95 percent, which is linked to obesity, sedentary life style and poor diet. Type 2 diabetes is when insulin does not make its’ way to cell surfaces. This resistance leaves high levels of sugar in the bloodstream, which damages small blood vessels in the kidneys, eyes, and other vital organs. Large blood vessels also suffer causing a higher risk of stroke and heart attacks. Roughly 24 million Americans suffer from diabetes and even more shocking, 57 million have pre-diabetes. Pre-diabetes is frightening given that those who suffer have blood sugar levels which are neither normal nor diabetic, thus meaning they’re unaware of any problems.

It’s important to understand how diabetes can help be prevented and those who are pre-diabetic can keep their blood sugar levels in a normal range. Weight and exercise is key in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and also reducing the risk of diabetes. It is proven that weight loss plays a better role than exercise in reducing diabetic risks. But, combined, both of these methods are vital in lowering susceptibly of becoming diabetic. Besides exercise and weight loss, eating healthy lowers risks as well. Trans fats should be avoided – they lead to weight gain. Luckily, with society being more health conscious trans fats are not as common in supermarkets but can be found in fast foods. While avoiding trans fats, carbohydrates should also be kept in check. Instead of reaching for foods rich in carbs, especially potatoes, go for meals rich in grains and fiber. It’s been proven that those who eat foods with more fiber and nutrients are 30 percent less likely to become diabetic. Magnesium, for instance, is an important nutrient that has