Diabetes

This month of November is Diabetes awareness month! Diabetes is a group of diseases that are as a result of too much sugar in the blood (high blood glucose). More than 29 million people in the United States have diabetes, 1 out of 4 of them are not aware of it. There are 3 types of diabetes, type 1, 2 and gestational diabetes.

Type 1: the pancreas produces little or no insulin

Type 2: a chronic condition that affects the way the body uses (metabolizes) sugar (glucose) which is the body’s important source of fuel. The body resists insulin (hormone that regulates movement of sugar into your cells) or it doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain a normal glucose level.

Gestational diabetes: a form of high blood sugar that affects pregnant women.

Even though there is no cure for diabetes yet, there are lifestyle modifications that can reduce it’s impact on life.

Most people ,9 out of 10, have Type 2 diabetes. With type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t use insulin well and cannot keep blood sugar levels normal.

Risks factors of Type 2 diabetes include being overweight, having a parent, brother or sister with diabetes, being physically inactive for less than 3 times a week, so t0 reduce your risk you should exercise 3 or more times a week.

Having a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds, being 45 years and older. Race and ethnicity matters. African Americans, Latino Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders are at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes.