Diabetes is a condition where the body does not secrete enough insulin to help glucose get into the cells or the cells of the body become resistant to insulin causing a buildup of sugar in the blood. Some of the symptoms of diabetes are frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, extreme hunger, blurred vision, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, fatigue, very dry skin, poor wound healing and frequent infections.
Diabetes can be classified into two major categories: type I and type II.
Type I
In type I diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes, the pancreas cannot manufacture insulin and as a result individuals with type I diabetes will require lifelong insulin for control of blood glucose levels. This type is most prevalent in children and adolescents. About 5% and 10% of all diabetics are type I.
Type II
It is also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes and accounts for the majority of all cases of diabetes. In type II diabetes, the body is insulin resistant and the pancreas overproduces insulin but cannot keep blood sugar levels at normal levels.
Some risk factors:
Family history of diabetes
Obesity
Increasing age with increased risk beginning at age 45 years
Race/Ethnicity (e.g., African American, Hispanic American, Native American/Canadian, Native Australian or New Zealander, Asian American, Pacific Islander)
History of gestational diabetes
Hypertension (blood pressure > 140/90 mmHg)
How can you lower your risk for type II diabetes?
Eating foods with a low glycemic index
Eating water-soluble fiber at least 35g. Fiber slows digestion and the absorption of carbohydrates preventing a rapid rise in blood glucose levels. Some examples are legumes, oat bran, seeds, psyllium seed husks, pears, and apples and most vegetables.
Also use olive oil, raw nuts and omega-3 fatty acids that come from fish
Higher levels of vitamin C, vitamin E and carotene also lower risk.
References:
Textbook of Natural Medicine Third Edition Volume 2 by Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr. and Michael T. Murray
“Diabetes” http://www.cdc.gov/media/presskits/aahd/diabetes.pdf
American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org/