Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are necessary for optimum health since they are the brain’s and muscles’ primary sources of energy. People who consume the most carbs, particularly those contained in whole, natural foods like beans, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, had a lower risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, according to research (Rao et al., 2019).
I’m surprised because diabetes affects people of all ages, races, sizes, and shapes, and the body doesn’t generate insulin. Yes! Even if you’re at high risk, you can avoid or delay type 2 diabetes by making simple lifestyle changes like decreasing weight and increasing your physical activity.
Studies demonstrate that cutting sugar and refined carbs from one’s diet can reduce the risk of acquiring type 2 diabetes, as sugary meals and refined carbs can put people at risk for diabetes on the fast track. Working out consistently can also assist since exercise enhances the sensitivity of insulin in body cells, so little insulin is necessary during exercise to keep blood sugar levels under control (Kenny & Abel 2019). Diabetic hypoglycemia happens when a person with diabetes does not have enough sugar in their blood. Symptoms include dizziness, sweating, and hunger.
References
Rao, V. R., Qasba, P. K., Balaji, P. V., & Chandrasekaran, R. (2019). Conformation of carbohydrates. CRC Press.
Kenny, H. C., & Abel, E. D. (2019). Heart failure in type 2 diabetes mellitus: impact of glucose-lowering agents, heart failure therapies, and novel therapeutic strategies. Circulation research, 124(1), 121-141.
Reply 2
It is known that the brain needs fuel to operate and the fuel that provides the most energy is carbohydrates. The body has a checks and balances system to control the amount of carbohydrates processed and the way that blood glucose is affected by what we eat (Czech, 2017). Insulin helps control the body’s sugar levels and help them to be stored by transporting intracellular glucose to insulin-dependent cells and tissues, such as the liver, fat cells and muscles (Czech, 2017). Currently, in the United States, approximately 33% of adults haveprediabetes and are at risk for type 2 diabetes (Czech, 2017). The dangerous thing is that nearly 85% don’t know they have it( ). The American Diabetes Association, also known as ADA,can help individuals suffering from Diabetes continue down a path toward health and wellbeing.
My ADA results did surprise me a little, because although my immediate family do not suffer from it, I have a lot of close connections in my community who have it. My risk of Type 2 Diabetes was low. Over 7 million people with diabetes are undiagnosed (Hunt, 2021).
Type 2 Diabetes can be delayed, but it cannot be said that it can be fully prevented. A reduction in risk factors will prevent individuals from developing the disease. Strategies to lower risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes include cutting sugar and refined cards from one’s diet (Alkhatib et. al, 2017). Working out regularly is one of the top strategies. Drinking water and watching portion sizes will also help immensely (Alkhatib et al., 2017).
Symptoms of hypoglycemia include sweating, dizziness, tingling lips. A person may feel shaky and have palpitations when hypoglycemic (Czech, 2017).
References
Alkhatib, A., Tsang, C., Tiss, A., Bahorun, T., Arefanian, H., Barake, R., … &
Tuomilehto, J. (2017). Functional foods and lifestyle approaches for diabetes prevention and management. Nutrients, 9(12), 1310.
Czech, M. P. (2017). Insulin action and resistance in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Nature
medicine, 23(7), 804-814.
Hunt, L. M. (2021). Are corporations re-defining illness and health? The diabetes
epidemic, goal numbers, and blockbuster drugs. Journal of Bioethical Inquiry, 1-21.
