Archive for January, 2010
Due to the rampant obesity in the United States, diabetes is one of the fastest growing health concerns. While most people recognize the fact the diabetes is a debilitating disease, many people still find themselves asking “what is diabetes?” There are two types of diabetes, and they both affect that way that your body uses and processes blood glucose, also known as blood sugar.
Although researchers have yet to pinpoint the exact cause of type 1 diabetes, family history and viral illnesses are suspected to be the main culprits. The more common—and preventable—type of diabetes is type 2. This is caused by a combination of obesity, inactivity, age and several other factors.
It’s important for diabetics to maintain normal blood sugar levels at all times. Having a diabetic reaction because of low blood sugar is often avoidable with proper nutrition and regular blood sugar checks. For diabetics with Type 2 diabetes who still use insulin, it’s even more important to monitor blood sugar levels at all times and ensure that the proper amount of insulin is injected. Diabetes can be well controlled with a regimen of proper diabetes diet and exercise. When diabetics defer from the regimen it tends to be when blood sugar is liable to become low and spark a diabetic reaction.
In addition to diet and exercise, there are various supplements that can lower blood sugar. But more than lower blood sugar, these supplements are designed to normalize blood sugar levels so that it becomes less likely for blood sugar to be too high or too low. Regardless of how well controlled diabetes is, it’s important for diabetics to check their blood sugar often. There are some circumstances outside of a diabetic’s control that could cause a reaction, and regular blood sugar checks promote wellness.