Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
10% of people over 40 in the UK are now living with a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Diabetes is a prevalent and serious medical condition that can have significant impacts on the lives of the affected. The outcome of diabetes is affected by a myriad of factors such as diet, fitness, medication, other pre-existing conditions etc. Diabetes can be better managed if the appropriate lifestyle changes are made. This can both improve the quality of life and reduce other potential health complications a diabetic is at risk of facing.
DIET
Glucose and Insulin
Consuming excessive amounts of foods high in sugars often lead to insulin resistance in the body's tissues. The body is unable to use insulin to convert glucose from the sugars into useful energy. The sugars remain in the blood stream and can have harmful impacts on the body's organs, which can have serious health implications.
FITNESS
Exercise
Exercise can be a significant tool to improve the life of a diabetic. It can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications that diabetics are susceptible to, such as hypertension, heart attacks and strokes. Exercise increases one's energy expenditure, hence reduces one's blood sugar levels over time.
MEDICINE
Drugs and Blood Vessels
Most diabetic patients will be taking one or more drugs to help with the insulin resistance as well as to protect their blood vessels. This is crucial to prevent complications such as diabetic retinopathy (eye diseases), diabetic neuropathy (nerve diseases) and diabetic nephropathy (kidney diseases), strokes, heart attacks and hypertension.