Diabetes is a disease caused as a result of heightened blood sugar (glucose) levels. The glucose derived from the food we consume is the primary source of energy in the human body. This glucose must be acted upon by “Insulin”, a hormone produced in the pancreas that helps move the sugar from the blood to the cells. The sugar in the cells is then used as fuel for energy or stored for future purposes. A low level of insulin in the human body would make this action impossible, hence resulting in the accumulation of blood sugar which subsequently leads to diabetes.
There have been a lot of myths about diabetes; when someone eats a lot of sugar, people automatically think the person is setting himself up for this disease which is outrightly untrue.
Here are 5 things you need to know about Diabetes.
1. Diabetes is not caused just by eating too much sugar/sugary foods.
Consuming sugary food is just a risk factor, the inability of your body to produce enough insulin to balance blood glucose levels is what results in diabetes.
2. Diabetes can occur in both children and adults.
Type 1 diabetes (also called Juvenile diabetes) is more common in children while type 2 diabetes (also called adult-onset diabetes) is common in adults. Both types are caused due to the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin that helps regulate the amount of blood sugar.
3. Diabetes is not a death sentence, as long as it is well-managed.
Diabetes can be managed through proper meal planning to control blood glucose levels and by the use of medications. But if left untreated, the presence of a high level of glucose in the body can cause eyes, kidneys, and nerves damage, and lead to amputation, heart disease, or stroke.
4. Certain factors can increase an individual’s risk of having diabetes.
This may include, being obese or overweight, not being physically active (sedentary lifestyle), increasing age, high blood pressure, family history of diabetes, etc.
5. There is no cure for diabetes yet.
While scientists are still carrying out cutting-edge research to manage this disease, the patient can employ different practices to keep this disease in remission. This can be achieved by eating healthy diets, taking oral medications, and living a healthy lifestyle.
