What is Diabetes?
When food containing carbohydrates is eaten, your body digests the carbohydrate into sugar (called glucose), which can then be used as energy by the cells in your body. Diabetes is a condition that arises when your body can’t properly control the amount of glucose in your blood.
A hormone called insulin is needed to transfer glucose from the bloodstream to cells and be converted to energy. For people with diabetes, blood glucose levels are often higher than normal because either the body does not produce insulin (type 1 diabetes) or cannot manage insulin properly (type 2 diabetes).
High levels of glucose in the bloodstream can lead to short term complications such as:
- passing large amounts of urine
- being extremely thirsty and drinking lots of fluids
- being tired
- having blurred vision
- having frequent skin infections, which are slow to heal
Controlling diabetes is important to prevent serious long-term complications such as:
- heart and circulation problems
- infections
- kidney disease
- eye problems, which can lead to blindness.
- nerve damage to the lower limbs and other parts of the body
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition caused by the pancreas failing to produce insulin and accounts for 10-15% of all diabetes cases in Australia.1 It can appear at any age, but most commonly presents in childhood and early adult life. People with type 1 diabetes cannot produce enough insulin, and therefore they must inject themselves with insulin several times a day.
There is currently nothing that can be done to prevent or cure type 1 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form of diabetes and accounts for 85-90% of all diabetes cases in Australia.1 Type 2 diabetes occurs when the cells in the body develop insulin resistance. Diagnosis is usually in older adults, but it is becoming more common in adolescence and even children. The causes are unknown, but the risk is increased by having a family history, aging, having prior gestational diabetes, having pre-diabetes, being above the healthy weight range, and an inactive lifestyle.
There is no cure for type 2 diabetes, but if you are at risk, you can delay and sometimes prevent developing type 2 diabetes by embracing a healthy lifestyle. This includes regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Gestational diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy. Approximately 12-14% of pregnant women will develop it around the 24th-28th week mark.1 The hormonal changes of pregnancy combined with a predisposition for poor insulin production or utilisation, results in increased blood glucose levels in the mother and the baby. For most women with gestational diabetes, diabetes will disappear after the baby is born. However, 30-50% of women who have gestational diabetes go on to develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
What is Insulin Resistance?
If someone has insulin resistance, their body does not respond properly to the hormone insulin.
Insulin is produced by the pancreas. When we eat foods containing carbohydrates they are broken down to glucose (a term for sugar) in the blood. The normal function of the hormone insulin is to transfer glucose from the blood into the liver and muscle cells, to be used as energy, and to manage our blood glucose levels.
In people with insulin resistance, the muscles and the liver resist the action of insulin, so the body has to produce higher amounts to keep the blood glucose levels within a normal range.
Insulin resistance is more common in:
- People with a family history of diabetes
- People who are overweight (particularly around the stomach area)
- People who are physically inactive
- Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Ethnic groups (e.g. Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islanders).
A person with insulin resistance has a greater risk of developing Type II diabetes and heart disease. Insulin resistance is detected by blood tests that your GP or specialist may order.
If you have insulin resistance, following a healthy lifestyle can reduce your chances of developing Type II diabetes. Studies have shown that combining:
- Healthy eating
- Weight loss
- Regular physical activity
can all help reduce your risk of Type II diabetes in the years to come. These lifestyle changes were shown to be at least as effective as a common medication used to treat insulin resistance.
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HbA1c Testis really good to know about it. This measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Elevated levels can indicate insulin resistance.
this is really helpful
Insulin resistance is a condition where cells in the body become less responsive to the effects of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. When cells resist the action of insulin, they don’t efficiently take up glucose from the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. This can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes if left untreated or unmanaged.
Thanks for this article
the Paris Diet Solution has empowered me to take control of my diabetes in a way that feels sustainable and fulfilling. It’s not about strict rules or deprivation but rather about nourishing my body and soul with wholesome foods and joyful experiences.
Hello everyone,
I want to share with you a journey I’ve embarked upon called the “Paris Diet Solution.” It’s not just a diet; it’s a lifestyle change that has significantly helped me manage my diabetes.
Living with diabetes can be challenging. It requires constant monitoring of what you eat and how it affects your blood sugar levels. For me, it often felt like a never-ending battle. But then I discovered the Paris Diet Solution, and it has truly been a game-changer.
So, what exactly is the Paris Diet Solution? Well, it’s not your typical restrictive diet. Instead, it focuses on incorporating whole, nutritious foods while still allowing for enjoyment and indulgence in moderation. It’s about finding balance and pleasure in eating while also taking care of your health.
One of the key aspects of the Paris Diet Solution is its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. In Paris, food is celebrated, and meals are enjoyed slowly, with attention to quality and flavor. By adopting this approach, I’ve found myself naturally gravitating towards healthier options like colorful salads, lean proteins, and vibrant fruits.
But perhaps the most significant impact the Paris Diet Solution has had on my diabetes management is its focus on portion control and mindful eating. Instead of depriving myself of certain foods, I’ve learned to savor them in smaller quantities, truly tasting and enjoying each bite. This has helped me better control my blood sugar levels and avoid sudden spikes or crashes.
Moreover, the Paris Diet Solution encourages regular physical activity, which is essential for managing diabetes effectively. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll along the Seine or a morning yoga session in a quaint Parisian park, staying active has become an enjoyable part of my daily routine.
I encourage anyone struggling with diabetes to explore the principles of the Paris Diet Solution and see how it can positively impact their health and well-being.
Bon appétit and santé to a healthier, happier life!
I’ve found that effectively managing stress has been key in enhancing my insulin sensitivity. Through practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques, I’ve been able to significantly reduce my stress levels
I’ve had success improving my insulin resistance through various lifestyle changes. By consistently engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and managing stress levels effectively, I’ve noticed significant improvements in my insulin sensitivity. Incorporating activities such as strength training, aerobic exercise, and yoga into my routine has been particularly beneficial. Alongside these activities, prioritizing adequate sleep and staying mindful of my dietary choices has contributed to my positive experience in increasing insulin resistance.”
Keeping tabs on my blood sugar levels each day is a real mission. I’ve got to check it heaps of times, before and after tucker, and especially when I’m active or stressed.
The tricky part is trying to keep those levels in the right zone. It means making smart choices about what I eat and when, tweaking insulin doses if I need to, and staying on the ball when my levels change.
It’s more than just numbers on a glucose meter; it’s the emotional and mental effort of always keeping an eye on things and adjusting my life to manage diabetes.
When my levels are high, I feel knackered, cranky, and under the weather. But when they drop suddenly, it’s scary stuff—shaky, confused, and if I don’t sort it fast, I could even black out.
Even with all the challenges, I try to stay upbeat and take charge of my diabetes. It’s a daily juggle that needs guts, patience, and plenty of support from mates and healthcare crew.
Thanks paris
As someone living with type 2 diabetes, this article resonated with me. It accurately described the challenges of managing blood glucose levels and highlighted the importance of lifestyle choices. The section on insulin resistance was particularly insightful, helping me understand why my body struggles with insulin. Overall, a valuable resource for anyone seeking to grasp the complexities of diabetes.
Thanks for this helpful article
This article provided a comprehensive overview of diabetes, explaining the role of insulin and how the body processes glucose. I appreciated the clear distinction between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as gestational diabetes. Learning about insulin resistance and its link to lifestyle factors was eye-opening. The article’s emphasis on prevention through healthy habits was empowering
As a woman with PCOS, I found it validating to see PCOS mentioned as a contributing factor. The emphasis on lifestyle changes for prevention was encouraging and motivates me to prioritize healthier habits. I would recommend this read to anyone wanting to take charge of their health.
I really appreciated this article because it helped me understand more about gestational diabetes, especially since I was recently diagnosed with it. Knowing that it could increase my risk of type 2 diabetes later on was eye-opening, but it also made me feel empowered to take charge of my health after pregnancy. I’m thankful for the valuable information shared in this piece!
Hi,
As a parent of a child with type 1 diabetes, this article helped me understand the condition better. It explained why insulin injections are necessary and provided hope by mentioning ongoing research. I now have a clearer understanding of how to support my child’s health needs. This article is a must-read for families navigating type 1 diabetes
Danielle
This article was such a great find for me in understanding diabetes better. The explanations were really clear, and they made tricky topics like insulin resistance much easier to understand. I especially liked how it emphasized making lifestyle changes for prevention and management—it felt really empowering. After reading this informative piece, I’m feeling motivated to start making healthier choices.
Thanks, it was really helpful
clearly broken down so I could understand the differences. Learning about insulin resistance and its role in diabetes risk really emphasized how important healthy living is. I’m planning to share this informative piece with my friends and family—it’s too good not to pass along!
The part about insulin resistance really hit home for me, especially since I’ve dealt with weight issues and lack of activity myself. Seeing how these factors tie into diabetes risk was truly eye-opening. I appreciated how the article stressed the importance of lifestyle changes for prevention—it feels like a clear roadmap for taking charge of our health. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to learn more about diabetes.
it was good article about Diabetes
Since you’re dealing with diabetes and insulin resistance, it might be worth having a yarn with your doctor to see if there’s a better option for you. Just thought I’d give you the heads up!
One of the biggest benefits I’ve noticed since starting the keto diet is the improved control over my blood sugar levels. By reducing my carb intake and increasing healthy fats, my blood sugar stays much more stable throughout the day. I used to experience spikes and crashes, which made me feel tired and cranky, but that’s a thing of the past now.
One unexpected benefit has been a decrease in cravings and hunger pangs. The high-fat and moderate-protein meals are incredibly satisfying, so I don’t feel the need to snack as often, which helps keep my blood sugar in check.
With my blood sugar levels more stable, I also noticed that my energy levels are much more consistent. I no longer feel those afternoon slumps or sudden drops in energy after meals. This has made a huge difference in my daily life and overall productivity.
Losing weight has been another great benefit. Shedding those extra pounds has a direct impact on improving insulin sensitivity. The keto diet helped me lose weight steadily without feeling deprived or hungry all the time.
The keto diet has also helped reduce my insulin resistance. Before keto, my body wasn’t responding well to insulin, which is a common issue for people with type 2 diabetes. By cutting down on carbs, my body needs less insulin to process my food, and this has made managing my diabetes a lot easier.
really good Infor Thanks
Thanks.
Really helpful
insulin resistance are closely linked metabolic conditions that affect how the body processes glucose
Symptoms of Diabetes:
Frequent urination
Excessive thirst and hunger
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow healing of cuts and bruises
People with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes may experience more significant benefits from following a keto diet. By significantly reducing carbohydrate intake, the keto diet can help stabilize blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. This can lead to better management of their condition, potentially reducing the need for medication. For individuals with these health concerns, the keto diet might offer a more effective approach to achieving and maintaining better health outcomes.
Diet plays a pivotal role in the development and management of diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. The foods we consume can significantly influence blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. High intake of refined carbohydrates and sugars can lead to spikes in blood glucose, prompting the pancreas to produce more insulin. Over time, this can result in insulin resistance, where the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels and, eventually, diabetes.
Thanks
Every individual’s nutritional needs are unique, especially when managing a condition like diabetes. Personalized meal plans take into account various factors, including age, weight, activity level, food preferences, and specific health goals. This customized approach ensures that each meal plan is both effective and sustainable, making it easier to adhere to long-term dietary changes
Conversely, diets rich in whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. For instance, the Mediterranean diet, known for its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats like olive oil, has been shown to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes and improve glycemic control in those already diagnosed with the condition.
Do you have any advice for others who might be newly diagnosed or struggling with managing their diabetes?