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The Danger of Diabetes
As found on diabetes.org:
America, we have a problem. A serious weight problem.
You hear it almost every day: there is an epidemic of obesity in this country. We are fat and getting fatter. But really, what’s the big deal about gaining a few extra pounds? You’ve got to enjoy life while you can, right? Well, being overweight is such a major concern mainly for all the serious health problems that it leads to, such as diabetes.
In the US, more than 13 million people have Type 2 diabetes [ed.note: some estimates run as high as 20 million], a number that is rising every year. It’s estimated that over 160,000 people will die from diabetes and related causes in 2005. It is the leading cause of kidney failure and tens of thousands of people lose their eyesight every year as a result of the disease. And things are only going to get worse as increasing numbers of people develop diabetes as a result of being overweight.
So what exactly is Type 2 diabetes?
Sometimes referred to as “adult-onset,” Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body becomes unable to efficiently process blood sugar due to insulin resistance. Insulin, a hormone, helps our bodies turn food into energy. Diabetes occurs when we become unable to regulate insulin levels. Fat cells lead to insulin resistance, so as more and more people become overweight, more and more people develop diabetes.
In diabetics, high levels of insulin often cause their blood pressure and even cholesterol to rise. Blood clots and arterial plaque may increase as well, leading to a greater risk for heart attack and stroke. So, obesity leads to diabetes which eventually leads to coronary heart disease.
As you can see, the increased risk associated with being overweight can be the start of a cascade of serious health issues. Fortunately, it appears that the damage caused by Type 2 diabetes and its related conditions may be reversible. Managing diabetes by diet, along with lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, can reduce the risk of chronic heart disease. Of course, this is accomplished by eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise.
Here are some steps you can take to help reduce your risk of developing diabetes and heart disease:
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America, we have a problem. A serious weight problem.
You hear it almost every day: there is an epidemic of obesity in this country. We are fat and getting fatter. But really, what’s the big deal about gaining a few extra pounds? You’ve got to enjoy life while you can, right? Well, being overweight is such a major concern mainly for all the serious health problems that it leads to, such as diabetes.
In the US, more than 13 million people have Type 2 diabetes [ed.note: some estimates run as high as 20 million], a number that is rising every year. It’s estimated that over 160,000 people will die from diabetes and related causes in 2005. It is the leading cause of kidney failure and tens of thousands of people lose their eyesight every year as a result of the disease. And things are only going to get worse as increasing numbers of people develop diabetes as a result of being overweight.
So what exactly is Type 2 diabetes?
Sometimes referred to as “adult-onset,” Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body becomes unable to efficiently process blood sugar due to insulin resistance. Insulin, a hormone, helps our bodies turn food into energy. Diabetes occurs when we become unable to regulate insulin levels. Fat cells lead to insulin resistance, so as more and more people become overweight, more and more people develop diabetes.
In diabetics, high levels of insulin often cause their blood pressure and even cholesterol to rise. Blood clots and arterial plaque may increase as well, leading to a greater risk for heart attack and stroke. So, obesity leads to diabetes which eventually leads to coronary heart disease.
As you can see, the increased risk associated with being overweight can be the start of a cascade of serious health issues. Fortunately, it appears that the damage caused by Type 2 diabetes and its related conditions may be reversible. Managing diabetes by diet, along with lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, can reduce the risk of chronic heart disease. Of course, this is accomplished by eating healthy and getting plenty of exercise.
Here are some steps you can take to help reduce your risk of developing diabetes and heart disease:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes per day (especially aerobic activity).
- Eat a nutritional, well-balanced diet (with lots of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables).
- Keep your blood pressure down (120/80 or lower).
- Control your cholesterol levels (LDL/bad cholesterol under 100, HDL/good cholesterol above 40 for men and 50 for women).
- Quit smoking.
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