We are being given so much information about eating right to avoid diabetes issues these days that it is often difficult to absorb the importance of what is read. I'm sure if we fully understood the impact of our diet on the body there would be fewer sufferers, as each of us would take to heart our responsibility for our own good health. Affluence has meant we are able to buy what we like to eat when we want, so people tend to eat far more than the body needs - hence we put on weight easily and if not careful, become obese which can result in type 2 diabetes.
There are millions of people in the western world alone who are diagnosed with diabetes. In the UK alone the latest figures show that over 2 million people suffer from the disease, and in the US it is estimated nearly 24 million people are diabetics, with many more who don't know they have the disease, because they are not aware of the symptoms.
Early signs of diabetes may be running to the toilet more than is normal, excessive tiredness and irritability, constant thirst and weight loss. Sometimes a person may become quite irrational in behaviour. In fact a friend of mind almost came to the point of divorcing her husband because he became impossible to live with.
Unfortunately diabetes cannot be cured and gradually gets worse; however it can be controlled by diet and keeping body weight down can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. Learning to eat the right things such as plenty of fruit and vegetables, not too much red meat and reducing sugar-producing carbohydrates is essential. This doesn't mean you cannot enjoy any sweet delight, but it does mean self-discipline is a must, which is a skill often in short supply. Regular checks on blood sugar levels have to be taken by the sufferer for the rest of their life, which although not difficult to do are an added nuisance to daily living. Eventually however it will be necessary to inject insulin to keep the diabetes under control, so the diabetic should work hard to prevent this from happening for as long as possible.
The type of insulin the diabetic is prescribed by the doctor will depend on the level of sugar in the blood. Once injections begin the diabetic begins a new phase of life bringing with it a new set of problems. Regular eye checks at the hospital are required for cataract development and glaucoma, and in serious cases loss of sight may occur. Some insulin increases the tendency to put on weight making it even harder to prevent obesity. Weight gain increases tiredness and makes sleeping more problematic. Often a diabetic will suffer from sleep apnoea and heavy snoring, leading to a disturbed night for both the diabetic and their partner. Lack of sleep brings irritability and relationships may be affected. Sometimes the continual use of insulin will prevent the body's ability to produce the B12 substance needed, resulting in pernicious anaemia. The diabetic person will feel increasingly fatigued without real cause, which then requires periodic B12 injections to solve the problem.
We do not realise how very nasty this disease is and need to be aware of further problems related to diabetes which the diabetic may be more prone to. These are:
- Heart disease or stroke
- Kidney disease
- Damage to the nervous system causing loss of feeling in the feet and hands, which can result in amputation.
- Gum disease.
- Impotence in men.
- Overweight and obesity.
- Depression.
- Complications in pregnancy.
I'm sure if everyone understood fully the seriousness of diabetes and the unpleasantness of problems which often occur we would all take more care of ourselves and resist excessive eating habits. Life expectancy would be extended and our partners would not be inflicted with coping with a loved one suffering with the diabetic problem. It is never the intention to be careless by anyone, but let us not fool ourselves with the thought "It will never happen to me", for diabetes sneakily creeps up on us and when it is discovered it is too late. A preferred lifestyle of controlled eating habits, good exercise and plenty of sleep is strongly recommended from one who has lived with a loved one suffering for many years with diabetes.
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