Insulin that doesn’t work effectively enough (Diabetes Type 2 non-insulin-dependent) causes the body to adjust by releasing even more insulin, which compounds the problem. The insulin receptor sites of these body cells are overused, making them less effective in opening up to allow glucose to come inside the cell. Both diabetic types are in danger of the complications of having too much blood sugar hovering in the bloodstream. Abnormally high levels of insulin will turn that glucose into fat for storage. So, it’s no surprise that 80% plus of all diabetics are obese.
Diabetics can have problems that go with either too much blood sugar or too little. Symptoms of someone with unusually low blood sugar levels in this hypoglycemic condition can be hunger, dizziness, numbness and tingling of the lips. A hyperglycemic state of having too much blood sugar can be seen via signs of fatigue, hunger, extreme thirst and frequent need to urinate.
Today it is estimated that over 246 million worldwide have diabetes. By 2025 it’s predicted that number will rise to 380 million. It is the 7th leading cause of death in the United States. It is the primary cause of blindness of people between 25 and 70. In the past 30 years, the diabetic numbers of African-Americans has tripled. Just the past few decades, childhood obesity is coming on with a rage. Latest research numbers determine 1 in 3 children are overweight or obese. Cases of childhood diabetes are climbing everyday.
There are many long-term complications of people suffering from diabetes. They include problems of the skin, digestion, bones and joints, teeth and gums and also sexual dysfunction. Of the most serious complications are cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, blindness, stroke, neuropathy and even amputations.
Those diabetics who are Type 1 are insulin-dependent will need their doctor to provide insulin, and they will have to monitor blood sugar levels with a glucometer to estimate the amount of insulin to inject themselves. If some of these diabetics get tired of using needles, they may consult with their doctor about using an insulin pump instead.
Diabetics will also use their glucometer after waking in the morning for a fasting blood sugar test, and also get readings prior to meals to make necessary changes in their diet. After fasting for 8 hours, the reading should be 110 mg/dl or less. If it’s between 110 and 126, this suggests impaired glucose tolerance (GLT). If higher than 126, this person is probably diabetic. A trained health care provider can give you the most accurate blood sugar reading with an oral glucose tolerance test.
Over 90% of all diabetics are Type 2, and many people may have this condition and don’t even know it. Not everybody that is overweight or obese is a diabetic, but most of these people can overcome obesity and even cure themselves of their diabetic condition with a diet that specifically targets their body type.
There are plenty of weight loss programs that are generally healthy but diet wise one-dimensional. The type of diet that focuses and adjusts accordingly to how the body responds to a different variety of foods and carbohydrates is more streamlined and a sophisticated type of weight loss that is becoming more popular. These go beyond the same-diet-for-everybody weight loss programs that can’t help everyone reach their desired goals for health and a new body weight.
