Thursday, June 1, 2023

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Diabetes Demystified: The Impact of Obesity – A Comprehensive Analysis

Welcome to our comprehensive examination of obesity and its profound influence on individuals and societies. As a blog focused on helpful ways to manage and live with diabetes, we recognize the urgency and importance of addressing this pressing health issue. In this article, we delve into the intricate nature of obesity, exploring its prevalence, associated health risks, and potential remedies. Join us as we shed light on this subject and provide invaluable insights for combating obesity.

Understanding Obesity Obesity is a critical global health concern that has recently escalated to epidemic proportions. It is characterized by the excessive accumulation of body fat, leading to detrimental health effects. Our objective is to thoroughly analyze this condition, highlighting its implications and providing actionable knowledge for individuals, healthcare professionals, and policymakers alike.

Prevalence and Trends Obesity has experienced a staggering rise worldwide, impacting both developed and developing nations. Recent statistics reveal that over one-third of the global population is now classified as overweight or obese. This alarming surge necessitates immediate action to mitigate its adverse consequences.

Health Risks and Complications The impact of obesity extends far beyond aesthetic worries. It significantly contributes to the development of various chronic diseases, imposing a substantial burden on individuals and healthcare systems. Conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental health issues are closely associated with obesity. Recognizing these risks is crucial in promoting preventive measures and fostering overall well-being.

Factors Contributing to Obesity Obesity arise from a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Understanding these contributors is pivotal in formulating effective strategies for prevention and management.

Genetic Predisposition Research indicates that genetics play a role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to obesity. Certain genetic variations can influence metabolism, appetite regulation, and fat storage, making some individuals more prone to weight gain than others. However, it is important to note that genetic predisposition alone does not solely determine one’s weight status. Environmental and lifestyle factors also contribute significantly.

Environmental Factors The modern environment presents numerous challenges that foster an obesogenic lifestyle. Factors such as easy access to energy-dense foods, sedentary work routines, lack of physical activity, and promotion of unhealthy products all contribute to the prevalence of obesity. Addressing these environmental influences requires a comprehensive approach involving various stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, and the food industry.

Behavioral Patterns Individual behaviors and choices have a profound impact on weight management. Unhealthy eating habits, excessive calorie intake, inadequate physical activity, and sedentary behaviors all contribute to weight gain. By promoting awareness and empowering individuals with practical strategies, we can inspire positive lifestyle changes that combat obesity.

Solutions for Combating Obesity Addressing obesity necessitates a multifaceted approach encompassing education, policy changes, and support systems. We firmly believe in the power of collective action to bring about sustainable change.

Education and Awareness Raising awareness about the risks and consequences of obesity is of utmost importance. Educating individuals about nutrition, healthy eating habits, and the benefits of regular exercise can empower them to make informed choices regarding their well-being. Educational programs targeting children, families, and communities play a vital role in fostering healthier lifestyles from an early age.

Policy Interventions Government policies can potentially create a significant impact in the fight against obesity. Implementing regulations that promote healthier food environments, such as improved food labeling, restrictions on marketing unhealthy products to children, and incentives for food manufacturers to produce healthier options, can encourage positive behavioral changes at the population level.

Healthcare Support Healthcare professionals are at the forefront of obesity prevention and management. By providing personalized counseling, evidence-based treatment plans, and continuous support, healthcare providers can empower individuals to take control of their health.

Some more detailed information can be found in the following references:

  1. American Diabetes Association. (2021). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes – 2021. Diabetes Care, 44(Supplement 1), S1-S232. Retrieved from https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/44/Supplement_1
  2. Caleyachetty, R., Thomas, G. N., Toulis, K. A., Mohammed, N., Gokhale, K. M., Balachandran, K., & Nirantharakumar, K. (2017). Metabolically healthy obese and incident cardiovascular disease events among 3.5 million men and women. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 70(12), 1429-1437.
  3. Bray, G. A., Kim, K. K., Wilding, J. P. H., & World Obesity Federation. (2017). Obesity: A chronic relapsing progressive disease process. A position statement of the World Obesity Federation. Obesity Reviews, 18(7), 715-723.
  4. World Obesity Federation. (2018). Obesity: The gateway to ill health – An international scientific congress on obesity and related diseases. Retrieved from https://www.worldobesity.org/news/obesity-the-gateway-to-ill-health-an-international-scientific-congress-on-obesity-and-related-diseases
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Spotting Pre-Diabetes: Early Signs and Risks

Spotting pre-diabetes is a crucial step in preventing the onset of diabetes. By recognizing and taking notice of early warning signs, you gain a fighting chance to keep diabetes at bay. In this article, we will delve into the eight primary symptoms that indicate pre-diabetes, empowering you with the knowledge to take proactive measures. Additionally, we will explore the various risk factors associated with diabetes and how they can impact your susceptibility. So, join us as we navigate through the perplexing world of pre-diabetes, equipping you with the tools to safeguard your health and well-being.

Discovering and taking notice of early signs of diabetes gives you a fighting chance of preventing it altogether. Pay attention to these 8 symptoms that could indicate pre-diabetes…

If you have two or more of these symptoms, you should seriously think about getting yourself checked out:

  1. If you feel excessively thirsty, not just after intense exercise or in hot weather.
  2. You always seem to have a dry mouth, even after drinking.
  3. You find yourself urinating frequently.
  4. Unexpected weight loss or gain, even if you’re constantly hungry and eating well. Of course, you might be eating the wrong things, which could make your pre-diabetes worse.
  5. You feel tired and lack energy all the time. It’s like you’re running on empty.
  6. Sometimes your vision gets blurry. Be careful; untreated eye problems caused by diabetes can lead to blindness. Regular eye checks are important, especially as you get older, as your eyes can be an early warning sign for many diseases, not just diabetes.
  7. You have cuts, sores, or bruises that take a long time to heal, especially on your feet.
  8. If you experience excessive itching or soreness in the genital area or yeast infections that may be misdiagnosed as thrush, it could be a sign of too much sugar in your urine.

RISK FACTORS:

There are different types of diabetes: pre-diabetes, type 1, type 2, gestational, and maturity onset. Depending on your age, lifestyle, and family history, you may be more susceptible to developing diabetes.

For example, you might be more likely to develop diabetes if any of these factors apply to you:

  • Your family background is African American, American Indian, Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Hispanic American/Latino.
  • You have a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes.
  • If you’re over 45 and overweight, you could be at risk of type 2 diabetes.
  • You had gestational diabetes or gave birth to a baby weighing over 9 pounds.
  • You have high blood pressure.
  • Your cholesterol levels are not good.

Remember, it’s important to stay vigilant and care for your health.

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Eating Too Much Sugar Causes Diabetes – Fact Or Fiction?

Like most diseases, there is plenty of fact and fiction and often the two become intertwined and diabetes is no exception. Most people think that eating too much sugar cause diabetes, this is not true.

Diabetes is not caused by eating sugar. Diabetes is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. However, eating a diet high in fat and sugar can cause you to become overweight.

It is being overweight that radically increases your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, so if you have a history of diabetes in your family, I would recommend a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Actually, I remember a story about an ex-patient of mine, let’s call her ‘Patricia’.

We spoke at length about all her risk factors, but she stopped me when I asked her if she had any relatives with diabetes. I couldn’t hold back the laughter, when she informed me that she wasn’t too worried as she didn’t like her relatives and had no contact with them!

Yo can catch diabetes from someone else – Fact or fiction?

This brings me nicely to another common myth about diabetes, that it can be passed from person to person by everyday contact (SOURCE: Diabetes UK). Although we don’t know exactly why some people get diabetes, we know that it is not contagious – it can’t be caught like a cold or flu. There seems to be some genetic link involved particularly Type 2 diabetes. But environmental factors also play a part.

That’s enough Diabetes Fiction now for some fact

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterised by abnormally high blood sugar levels due either to lower production of insulin or abnormal resistance to insulin’s effects.

The major symptoms are excessive thirst, frequent urination, muscle cramps, poor healing of wounds, impaired vision and itching.

Heart disease and stroke – caused by diseased coronary arteries supplying blood to brain- are also common complications associated with diabetes.

As people age, insulin production may diminish and/or insulin resistance may increase. If the consumption of food, especially food that causes rapid surges in blood sugar levels, remains high, blood sugar levels may become and remain abnormally high, which is the condition known as diabetes.

The serious consequences of this are collapse, a diabetic fit followed by diabetic coma and if not treated quickly, death can occur.

So diabetes is a killer disease!

Conventional and Complimentary treatments.

One problem with conventional treatments is that they are sometimes cumbersome and, on their own, not always effective. They sometimes have unwanted side-effects and very occasionally serious side-effects have been reported.

This is not to say that oral medication should not be used. On the contrary, they may be life-enhancing and life-saving and they should certainly never be stopped or their dose changed without a doctor’s advice.

But the need for them – and indeed the need eventually for insulin injections – will be greatly reduced with a few simple changes to lifestyle. One of the best things you could do is follow the methods of Doctor Patrick Quillin in his International bestselling book The Diabetes Improvement Program.

I’ve reviewed this book before and it stirred up quite a lot of interest, so I think it’s well worth another mention.

The author, Doctor Patrick Quillin, is renowned in this field and I’ve been impressed with his theses in the past. He uses food and supplements to slow and even reverse all aspects and symptoms of diabetes.

The programme helps to eliminate ketones and provides an abundance of energy. It normalises blood sugar levels, and improves both eyesight and balance. Scratches and scrapes heal much quicker. It will also renew feeling and sensation in numb limbs.

It reverses neuropathy and helps to heal ulcers. All these fantastic benefits have great knock-on effects as well. They help with blood pressure, lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reducing your risk of heart attack, stroke and kidney damage.

And for those of you that are quite handy around the kitchen, there is a second great book associated with the programme called the Diabetics Cookbook, that lists hundreds of great recipes from all around the world.

Due to the success of the Diabetes Improvement Program last time I mentioned it the publishers have agreed to supply my readers with both the Diabetes Improvement Program and the Diabetic Cookbook at a specially discounted rate. Basically, if you buy both books, you get the Cookbook for just a fiver! That’s half price and not a bad deal if you ask me. To read more about the Diabetes Improvement Program visit my website.

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Diabetes – Symptoms And Cures

Diabetes is of three main types – insulin-dependent diabetes or the Type 1 diabetes, Non-insulin dependent diabetes or the Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes mellitus. A person’s eating habits and viruses can cause Type 1 diabetes. Heredity, obesity, high blood pressure, and lack of proper diet cause Type 2 diabetes, which is very common.

Diabetes is of three main types – insulin-dependent diabetes or the Type 1 diabetes, Non-insulin dependent diabetes or the Type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes mellitus. A person’s eating habits and viruses can cause Type 1 diabetes. Heredity, obesity, high blood pressure, and lack of proper diet cause Type 2 diabetes, which is very common.

The gestational diabetes mellitus is caused as a result of heredity, increased maternal age, fatness and more reasons. It may cause the mother to develop permanent diabetes. This characteristic may get transferred to the child at a later age.

There are certain symptoms with the help of which you can detect diabetes. Excessive urination, constant thirst, loss of weight, excessive starvation, nausea, extreme tiredness, infections, irritability and tiredness are some of them.

The importance of insulin comes to light when a person suffers from diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that allows blood sugar or glucose to enter body cells. Diabetes affects a person’s capability to make insulin. Due to diabetes, the glucose remains in the blood itself. This high rate of sugar in the blood may cause harm to your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and blood vessels.

Other than heredity reasons, you can easily avoid Type 2 diabetes by following some simple steps. For those people who are overweight, reduce the rate of consuming food. Overweight people have the risk of developing diabetes. Try to consume grilled or baked food instead of fried food. Cut down on fatty meals. While having food, check its Glycemic Index. While drinking milk, opt for the skimmed milk instead of the full-fat milk. Exercise is a very effective way, which ensures that you stay in a healthy way always.

It is best to cure diabetes before it attacks your health. To cure diabetes, it is important to know its symptoms. Extreme thirst not only after exercise and a stroll in the hot air, but always, is a symptom. Even after drinking water, if you have a dry mouth, if you have to urinate frequently, if you have unexpected weight loss, and you feel lethargic all the time, check with a doctor. It could be a symptom for diabetes.

Blurry vision, slow healing cuts and sores, extreme itching or soreness in the genital or yeast infection can be the other symptoms of diabetes. It is best to cure it before it develops fully and affects your body.

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What Are the Main Causes of Diabetes?

Research into diabetes is increasing all the time. Despite this no one actually knows what specifically causes diabetes. This has led to a number of rumours circulating some which are partially true and others which hold no truth at all. In this article I will be discussing what is known about the causes of diabetes.

1) GENERAL CAUSES:- We know that diabetes develops as a result of your body’s cells not getting enough insulin (a hormone which helps convert blood sugar/glucose into energy). This is usually because your pancreas fails to generate enough insulin or because your body’s cells start to resist insulin. Although we know what leads to the development of diabetes we do not currently know why this happens in certain individuals and not others.

2) GESTATIONAL DIABETES (GDM):- Again we do not know the exact causes of GDM although it is strongly linked with hormonal changes that occur during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. During this time the placenta releases hormones which block the normal action of insulin to ensure that the growing baby gets enough glucose. This causes pregnant women’s insulin needs to increase by two or three times the normal rate. Failure to meet this need leads to the onset of GDM. Approximately 5% of pregnant women develop GDM and although we have a good idea of what causes it, we do not know why it affects certain women and not others. There are a number of associated risk factors but currently no definitive reason.

3) TYPE 1 DIABETES:- Type 1 diabetes is caused by damage to the pancreas as the result of an auto-immune attack where the body’s immune system starts to attack the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas. Once more, whilst we know what causes type 1 diabetes we are still unsure what triggers this response. A number of suggestions have been put forward (including viral infections and faulty nerves) but currently none of these suggestions can be applied universally.

4) TYPE 2 DIABETES AND PRE-DIABETES:- Pre-diabetes is an early form of type 2 diabetes and the causes of each are very similar. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body stops responding to insulin. The pancreas reacts by producing additional insulin and the liver responds by releasing extra glucose. Over time this limits the effectiveness of the pancreas and further increases insulin resistance in the body. As with the other types of diabetes we do not know what causes the above reaction. However, there is very strong evidence that type 2 diabetes is linked to age, ethnicity, family history, inactivity and obesity.

5) RUMOURS:- Since the exact cause of diabetes is unknown, there are a number of false suggestions floating around. These include diabetes being contagious (there is a hereditary element but it cannot be passed directly from person to person), diabetes being caused by sugar (excessive sugar consumption does not cause diabetes but is linked with obesity, a diabetes risk factor) and stress causing diabetes (stress can aggravate the condition in diabetics but there is currently no evidence that it causes diabetes).

Currently, we have a general understanding of what happens inside our bodies to cause diabetes. However, the trigger behind these causes is still a mystery. Perhaps the strongest link is that between inactivity, obesity and type 2 diabetes but even this does not fully explain why some obese individuals never develop the disease. As research into the causes of diabetes continues, the best advice is to try and keep your blood sugar levels within a normal range. Keeping your weight under control, exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet can all play their part in this process.

Every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative but it is intended for general information only. Diabetes is a medical condition and this article is not intended as a substitute for the advice of your doctor or a qualified medical practitioner. If you have any concerns regarding any form of diabetes you should seek the advice of your doctor immediately.

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Causes of Diabetes

Heredity is a major factor of diabetes. That diabetes can be inherited has been known for centuries. However, the pattern of inheritance is not fully understood. Statistic indicates that those with a family history of the disease have a higher risk of developing diabetes than those without such a background. The risk factor is 25 to 33 percent more.

Heredity

Heredity is a major factor. That diabetes can be inherited has been known for centuries. However, the pattern of inheritance is not fully understood. Statistic indicates that those with a family history of the disease have a higher risk of developing diabetes than those without such a background. The risk factor is 25 to 33 percent more.

One reason why diabetes, especially type-2 diabetes runs in the family is because of the diabetes gene. But even it is caused by genetic factors beyond your control; there is no reason to suffer from it. Diabetes mellitus cannot be cured in full sense of the term, but it can be effectively controlled so that you would not know the difference.

Diet

Diabetes has been described by most medical scientists as a prosperity’ disease, primarily caused by systematic overeating. Not only is eating too much sugar and refined carbohydrates harmful, but proteins and fats, which are transformed into sugar, may also result in diabetes if taken in excess.

It is interesting to note that diabetes is almost unknown in countries where people are poor and cannot afford to overeat.

The incidence of diabetes is directly linked with the consumption of processed foods rich in refined carbohydrates, like biscuits, bread, cakes chocolates, pudding and ice creams.

Obesity

Obesity is one of the main causes of diabetes. Studies show that 60 to 85 % of diabetics tend to be overweight. In the United States of America, about 80 percent of type –2 non-insulin dependent diabetics are reported to be overweight.

Excess fat prevents insulin from working properly. The more fatty tissue in the body, the more resistant the muscle and tissue cells become to body insulin. Insulin allows the sugar in the blood to enter the cells by acting on the receptor sites on the surface of the cells.

Older people often tend to gain weight, and the same time, many of them develop and mild form of diabetes because who are over weight can often improve their blood sugar simply by losing weight.

Stress and Tension

There is a known connection between stress and diabetes mellitus, those who are under stress and/or lead an irregular lifestyle, need to take adequate precautions and make necessary lifestyle adjustments.

Grief, worry and anxiety resulting from examinations, death of a close relative, loss of a joy, business failure and strained marital relationship, all a deep influence on the metabolism and may cause sugar to appear in the urine.

Smoking

Smoking is another important risk factor. Among men who smoke, the risk of developing diabetes is doubled. In women who smoke 25 or more cigarettes a day, the risk of developing diabetes is increased by 40 percent.

Lifestyle Risk

People who are less active have greater risk of developing diabetes. Modern conveniences have made work easier. Physical activity and exercise helps control weight, uses up a lot of glucose (sugar) present in the blood as energy and makes cells more sensitive to insulin. Consequently, the workload on the pancreas is reduced.

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Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a disorder in which women that
previously did not carry diabetes test positive for high
blood glucose levels during their pregnancy.

Image result for Gestational Diabetes

Though not uncommon, it is thought that anywhere between
three and ten percent of pregnant women are diagnosed with
gestational diabetes sometime during their pregnancy.

But just what does this diagnosis mean to the health and
welfare of the mother and her unborn child?

Since no specific cause has been identified for gestational
diabetes, scientists don’t know how to prevent it. The
closest they have come to understanding is that it is
believed that hormones produced during pregnancy reduce a
woman’s sensitivity to insulin and the result is high blood
sugar levels.

Every pregnant woman is tested for gestational diabetes
during her prenatal care visits because generally there are
very few symptoms.

If the mother has gestational diabetes, babies are at a
higher risk for complications. These are typically growth
abnormalities and low blood sugar.

The good thing is that gestational diabetes is completely
reversible and women who otherwise have good control over
their glucose levels can decrease the risk of these birth
problems.

Image result for Gestational Diabetes

In fact, women who can keep their gestational diabetes
under complete control are known to give birth to perfectly
healthy babies.

The down side is women who develop gestational diabetes
during their pregnancy now run a higher risk of developing
type 2 diabetes post-pregnancy. Some children are prone to
develop childhood obesity and develop type 2 diabetes later
in life.

Pregnant women who develop gestational diabetes are
generally treated with diet modification and exercise, but
in some extreme cases they are administered an
anti-diabetic drug, such as insulin. The goal of treatment
is to reduce the risks for both m other and child without
endangering either.

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