Introduction
Diabetes (also called diabetes mellitus) occurs when a person's pancreas either produces insufficient amounts of the hormone insulin (type 1) or when a person's body tissues become resistant to insulin (type 2). Since insulin is vital for proper metabolization of sugars (without it, sugar in the blood can't be used for fuel or put into storage), diabetics often have an unusually high blood sugar level.
A chronic medical condition, diabetes can lead to a number of complications if left untreated. These include cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) disease, as well as kidney, eye and nerve disease.
Symptoms
Type 2 diabetes, or adult onset type, is the most common form of diabetes. Because of the urine's high sugar content, intense thirst and a frequent need to urinate often serve as warning signs of the disease. Constant fatigue, itchy skin, blurred vision and irritability are other symptoms, along with skin, gum, bladder and vaginal yeast infections, erectile dysfunction, tingling in the hands and feet, and headaches. As a result of the high sugar in the blood, overall resistance to illness is low and the body heals poorly. Often, type 2 diabetes goes undetected for many years before symptoms become intense enough to arouse concern.
Juvenile or type 1, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes, is the more serious form of the disease. As the name suggests, it generally surfaces early in life. The symptoms begin fairly suddenly, causing fatigue, weight loss and muscle weakness. Nausea and vomiting are common, despite almost constant hunger. If these first signs pass unnoticed, severe hypoglycemia will occur, marked by intense thirst, confusion, dizziness and an acetone smell to the breath, culminating in a life-threatening disorder called diabetic ketoacidosis.
Both forms of diabetes can be precursors for many other illnesses. Kidney disease, nerve damage (polyneuropathy) and scarring in the eye's retina are the most common and serious complications that can result from poor diabetes management. Other problems that can develop include arteriosclerosis, leg ulcers and high blood pressure.
Causes/Risk Factors
The risk of type 2, or adult onset diabetes, increases with age; however, a growing number of children are being diagnosed with the disease. The risk also increases with a family history of diabetes, certain ethnic backgrounds (Aboriginal, African, Hispanic, South Asian and Asian), a history of gestational diabetes and a low birth weight.
Type 2 diabetes is directly linked to the high sugar content of the typical North American diet. Baked goods, soda pop and alcoholic beverages contain massive amounts of sugar, while nearly every kind of processed food and canned goods also has some sugar added. Refined carbohydrates, such as white flour, white rice and pasta, are simple sugars, too. The pancreas, which controls the release of insulin, is heavily burdened by such a starch- and sugar-laden diet.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body's white blood cells attack the pancreas' insulin-producing cells. As with other autoimmune diseases, viral infections, extreme stress and, in rare cases, medication (such as cortisone) can act as triggers. There is currently no way to prevent type 1 diabetes, although research suggests that it may be linked to genetic and environmental factors. However, a high-sugar, low-fibre diet can adversely impact the outcome and complications related to this form of diabetes.
What You Can Do
Work with your doctor to manage your sugar values. A sound management plan will include diet, exercise and, possibly, medication.
Avoid saturated fats in meat, margarines and commercial vegetable oils. Large, heavy meals also put extra strain on the digestive system and the pancreas.
Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. Since moderate exercise for 30-60 minutes a day improves circulation and the processing of sugar into energy, start walking regularly or sign up for the Pedometer Program.
Because people with diabetes are prone to high blood pressure, monitor your blood pressure closely. Ask your doctor what you need to do to achieve your target reading. Ensure you maintain regular contact with them or your local diabetes clinic to prevent and screen for complications.
Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke. If you do smoke, take steps to quit immediately.
Maintain a regular routine when it comess to sleeping and eating.
Build your stress resilience by addressing any underlying emotional issues. Ask your doctor whether counselling might help you.
The Province of Alberta requires you to report any medical condition that may affect your ability to drive safely, including diabetes. For more information, call toll-free 800-310-0000, then 780-427-8230.
What You Can Take
Type 1 diabetes requires insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump and the monitoring of blood sugar levels several times a day for life.
Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes can often be effectively treated through dietary measures alone. The optimal diet for treating diabetes is free of simple sugars, which have an adverse effect on glucose tolerance, and high in complex carbohydrates and fibres, which improve insulin sensitivity and reverse elevated blood sugar levels.
The diet should consist largely of legumes (peas and beans) and whole grains, especially oats, fruits and vegetables. Watercress and horseradish in small quantities can have a healing effect on the pancreas.
Eating apples or other high-fibre foods before a meal significantly reduces the amount of insulin needed to return blood-sugar levels to normal after eating.
Nutrients such as chromium and spices such as cinammon may also help with managing diabetes. Talk to a registered dietician for more information.
Onions and garlic are beneficial in lowering blood sugar because of their active ingredients allyl propyl disulphide (APDS) and diallyl disulphide oxide (allicin).
If you want to better manage your diabetes through nutrition, make sure you know the glycemic index of foods. Foods with a high glycemic index are rapid inducers of insulin, make blood sugar control worse, increase a craving for sweets and lead to greater weight gain, higher triglycerides and higher cholesterol.
Further Resources
Contact the Canadian Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.ca or 1-800-226-8464.
