Nutrition And Physical Exercise For The Prevention And Management Of Diabetes

Abstract

which increases the blood glucose level when it is lower than normal; and the second is insulin which decreases the glucose level from blood by transport-ing them to the cells for energy production (ATP) (Figure 1). There-fore, when the insulin supply from the Pancreas becomes low or none, blood glucose level increases and diabetes develops. The first type of diabetes (Type-1) develops when auto-immune death of pancreas cells occurs, while in the other type (Type-2) insulin resistance develops. The causes of diabetes may include genetic defects, virus, and more commonly inappropriate food habits and sedentary life style [3-7]. Type-1 diabetes develops when there is an auto-immune death of pancreas cells, whereas, Type-2 diabetes occurs when the body develops a resistance to insulin. Abstract Diabetes is the disease that occurs when hyperglycemia develops. Hyperglycemia is when blood sugar becomes far higher than normal (70 and 99 mg/dL). Generally, when fasting blood glucose level becomes equal to or greater than 126 mg/dL it is considered diabetic. The symptoms for this disease are increased thirst, fatigue, irritability, frequent urination, and the presence of ketones in urine to just name a few. There are two types of diabetes and both have different causes. Type-1 diabetes is caused when body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin making beta cells of pancreas, and therefore, reducing the availability of insulin. Type-2 diabetes is caused by genetic abnormality or may be some unknown reason that creates insulin resistance. Some examples of food that can help maintain proper blood glucose levels are discussed here along with the importance of physical exercise to control diabetes. If diets and lifestyle changes are taken seriously, diabetes can be managed or even avoided.