Diabetes & Women . © Be your own expert… Introduction Diabetes is a disease that affects...

Diabetes&Women

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Be your own expert…

Introduction

• Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of Indians every year. Although there is no known cure for diabetes, several known treatments can control this disease.

• The success of any diabetes treatment depends largely on the patient.



Diabetes, mainly type 2 diabetes is very common in India. By 2025, India is predicted to have the most number of diabetics in the

world. Women are as equally affected by diabetes as men.



What is Diabetes

The body is made of millions of cells that need energy to function. The food you eat

is turned into sugar, called glucose. Sugar is carried to the cells through the blood stream. It is one of many substances

needed by cells to make energy.

For glucose to enter the cells, 2 conditions must be present. First, the cells must have

enough "doors," called receptors. Second, a substance called insulin is needed to

"unlock the receptors." Once these two conditions are met, glucose enters the cell

and is used by the cell to make energy.

Without energy, all cells die.



Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults, and was previously known as juvenile diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body does not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that needed to convert sugar (glucose), starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.

Finding out you have diabetes is scary. But don’t panic. Type 1 diabetes is serious, but people with diabetes can live long, healthy, happy lives.



Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, either the body does not produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Insulin is necessary for the body to be able to use glucose for energy. When you eat food, the body breaks down all of the sugars and starches into glucose, which is the basic fuel for the cells in the body. Insulin takes the sugar from the blood into the cells. When glucose builds up in the blood instead of going into cells, it can cause two problems:

1. Right Away, your cells may be starved for energy.2. Over time, high blood glucose levels may hurt your eyes, kidneys, nerves or heart



Detection of Diabetes

Diabetes is detected when a high level of sugar is detected in a persons blood or urine. The most reliable test results are obtained when the sugar level in the blood is checked before any food or liquid is ingested. This is known as a fasting blood sugar. A range for a normal fasting blood sugar is between 70 and 100 mg/dl.



Common signs and symptoms

• Excessive thirst• Frequent urination• Excessive Hunger• Weight loss• Fatigue• Changes in vision• Slow-healing cuts or infections• Persistent itching of the skin



If left untreated, the level of glucose in the blood can become very high, inducing coma and possibly death. The signs and symptoms depend on when

diabetes is discovered and the type of diabetes.



Diabetes Treatment Options

Diabetes cannot be cured. Keeping the level of sugar in the blood within its normal range can, however, control it. The treatment and management of diabetes varies from patient to patient.



Type 1 Diabetes Treatment Options

Patients with Type 1 diabetes do not produce insulin. Patients who lack insulin in their bodies must make certain adjustments in their diet and must take insulin. Insulin can only be given through injections. These injections may need to be given several times a day.



Type 2 Diabetes Treatment Options

Patients with Type 2 diabetes may not need insulin. Diabetes in these patients is typically controlled with diet and exercise. Sometimes oral medications are also prescribed. In some cases of Type 2 diabetes, insulin may also be required.



Uncontrolled Diabetes

Can Lead To:

• Heart Attack• Kidney Diseases• Nerve Damage• Eye Disease



Diabetes can be controlled by

A healthy diet may include changing what one eats, in what quantities, and how often.




Exercise helps diabetic patients in many ways. It lowers glucose levels, helps weight loss, and maintains a healthy heart and healthy circulation. In addition, exercising helps relieve stress and strengthens muscles.




Blood/urine sugar testing is important in order to find out if the sugar level is where it should be. If the blood/urine sugar is too low or too high, a change in the diabetes medication, diet, or exercise plan may be needed. Blood sugar or urine sugar should be checked at every visit of the diabetic patient.




In cases of very high blood sugar levels that do not respond to diet and exercise plans, medications may be needed. If insulin is needed, it can only be injected. Insulin is needed for all patients with Type 1 diabetes and for some patients with Type 2 diabetes.



The three goals of eating right are

• Controlling body weight• Keeping the level of blood-sugar at a normal level• Reducing fat in the body



Hyperglycemia Hypoglycemia

• When controlling diabetes, blood sugar can become too high or too low. These conditions should be taken seriously. Fortunately, one can easily re-establish control of blood sugar.

• When there is too much sugar in the blood, this condition is called hyperglycemia. Hyper is Latin and means "more." Glycemia is also Latin and means "sugar in the blood."

• Hyperglycemia is caused by eating too much food, eating sugary foods, or by not taking one’s medication. It can also occur when one is sick. If not treated, hyperglycemia can lead to a coma.



• Hypoglycemia occurs when too little sugar is present in the blood. Hypo is Latin and means "less."

• Hypoglycemia usually occurs with patients who take insulin or other medications.

• Taking too much insulin can cause it. That is why it is also known as insulin shock.

• Hypoglycemia can also be caused when the food intake is reduced or a meal is skipped. . Signs of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia .





• If not treated, low blood sugar can lead to fainting or seizures. Diabetics experience different signs when their blood sugar is low and they learn to recognize these signs.

• Some patients do not experience any signs when their blood sugar is low. These patients must depend on blood sugar testing to find out if they have hypoglycemia..



Summary

Diabetes management consists of:

• Following a diet plan• Testing blood sugar• Exercising• Taking any prescribed medication on time• Ensuring good hygiene• Learning about diabetes



Thanks to advances in medicine, diabetes can be successfully controlled.

The role of the patient is essential in making a diabetes management plan

succeed.



Foods to avoid or take in reduced amounts for diabetics

1. SALT: You get enough salt from vegetables in inorganic form, so reduce the intake of extra salt.2. SUGAR: Sucrose, a table sugar, provides nothing but calories and carbohydrates. Substitute

sucrose with natural sugar, like honey, jaggery (gur), etc.3. FAT: Excessive fat intake is definitely not a good habit. Try and exclude fried items from the diet

But, remember, a small quantity of oil is needed to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, especially vitamin E.

4. WHOLE MILK AND PRODUCTS: Try to switch to low fat milk and its products like yogurt (curd). 5. WHITE FLOUR (MAIDA) AND ITS PRODUCTS: Replace these with whole grains, whole wheat

(ATTA) or soya breads and unpolished rice.6. FOODS WITH A HIGH CARBOHYDRATE (SUGAR) CONTENT: Avoid white rice, potatoes, carrots,

breads and banana – they increase the blood-sugar levels.



Recommended foods for diabetics

• Bitter gourd (karela)– This vegetable contains a high dosage of 'plant insulin'. – It lowers the blood sugar levels effectively.– Have the juice of three to four karelas early morning on an empty

stomach. – As a vegetable, too, it can be taken on a regular basis. – Powder the seeds of karela (measuring 1 teaspoon), mix with water and

drink it.

• Fenugreek (methi)– It is the most common food used to control diabetes. – Gulp a teaspoonful of these seeds with a glass of water daily. – Soak the seeds overnight. Have the water in which the seeds were

soaked.– You can make a chutney with methi seeds. You can also eat them

sprouted, dried and powdered, or mix them in wheat flour to make chapattis.




• Indian blackberry (jamun)– This fruit is very effective in preventing and controlling diabetes. – Powder the stone of the fruit and eat it -- it contains glucoside,

which prevents the conversion of starch into sugars.• Garlic

– This is used to lower blood-sugar levels. Garlic is rich in potassium and replaces the potassium which gets lost in urine. It also contains zinc and sulphur, which are components of insulin. Take about three to four flakes of freshly crushed garlic daily.

• Onion – Because of its diuretic and digestive properties, onion works

against diabetes. Raw onion is more useful.




• Flaxseed– This is the richest source of Omega 3 fatty acids. It helps control

diabetes because it maintains the sensitivity of the cell membrane, facilitates insulin, and thereby the uptake of glucose by the cells.

• Fibre– Soluble fibre, found in apples, kidney beans (rajma), oatmeal,

soyabean, etc, help control diabetes. – These aid slow digestion and absorption of nutrients, resulting in

a slow and steady release of glucose. – They soak up excess bile acids found in the intestinal tract, the

same acids that are converted to blood cholesterol. • They also help empty the stomach and bring about a feeling of

satisfaction that can help Type 2 diabetics to achieve weight loss goals.




• Cinnamon solution– Water extracts of cinnamon have been found to promote glucose

metabolism and reduce cholesterol. You can boil cinnamon sticks in water and drink this water.

• Antioxidants– Diabetes is often associated with conditions like heart disease,

diabetic retinopathy, immune deficiency and

• kidney disease. Many are caused by free radical damage. Therefore, make sure you include foods containing antioxidants, like amla, fresh seasonal fruits, pomegranates and green/black tea in your diet.



Thank You

Diabetes & Women . © Be your own expert… Introduction Diabetes is a disease that affects...

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